Officials warned of legal action if meddled in polls

KABUL (Pajhwok): The Presidential Palace on Monday released a detailed order preventing government officials from interference in the presidential runoff election slated for June 14.

The presidential directives titled “No government officials’ involvement in run-off election” warned government officials they would be brought to justice if they violated the three-article order.

A statement issued from the Presidential Palace said the directives were aimed at assisting the electoral bodies to hold the runoff election in a transparent manner.

Under the presidential directives, governmental officials should follow these rules:

Article first. Coordinate with the Independent Election Commission (IEC) when asked, and carry out election related activities in-time.

Remain neutral while working with the IEC. Avoid any kind of pressure tactics to encourage or discourage voters into casting their votes for a specific candidate.

Refrain from any kind of action that disrupts a voter’s decision to choose a candidate of his/her choice.

Avoid using governmental resources in favor or against any candidate, if the resources are not used on equal basis under the law.

Avoid introducing people to be deployed as IEC workers and avoid using their positions in favor or against any candidate.

Avoid entering o voter registration centres, polling sites and vote tally areas with weapons.

Avoid inviting any candidate to an inauguration ceremony of a project or other ceremonies.

Article 2: Government officials if violated the above mentioned rules would be introduced to courts.

Article 3: The presidential order is valid from the date it was approved and the authorities concerned are responsible to enforce the directives.

mds/ma

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