IEC plans to conduct runoff polls on June 14

KABUL) wants to conduct the run-off presidential election on June 14, although a second round has not been formally announced so far, an official said on Wednesday.

An IEC source, who did not want to be named, confided to Pajhwok Afghan News the commission had decided to hold the second-round ballot in mid-June, 17 days behind original schedule.

He refused to go into details, but the panel has repeatedly said it is ready to conduct the run-off election. IEC Secretary recently told this news agency they were prepared if the vote went to the second round. 

According to the preliminary results announced on April 26, none of the candidates could secure 50+1 percent of votes.

Presidential runner Dr Abdullah Abdullah secured 44.9 percent of votes followed by Dr Ashraf Ghani Ahmadzai with 31.5 percent.

However, officials have indicated the final result may be different. IECC is currently reviewing complaints and will make a final decision on Saturday.

In line with the original IEC timeline, the second round should be conducted on May 28. The cause of delay is unclear.

mds/mud