Ballot stuffing alleged in parts of Balkh

MAZAR-I-SHARIF (Pajhwok): The Independent Election Commission (IEC) on Saturday said it had received reports about ballot-stuffing in some parts of northern Balkh province.

Balkh IEC chief Izzatullah Arman told journalists reports about fraud had been received from Dehdadi district, where an election worker was forcing people to vote for a specific candidate.

He added the worker was immediately removed from his position after reports of his interference were shared with the IEC. Irregularities were also alleged in Zari and Kashandi districts, as well as Mazar-I-Sharif, the provincial capital.

Arman added attempts at fraud had been foiled in other areas, where irregularities had happened in the first round. Five polling stations were closed due to high security threats.

Pajhwok Afghan News also obtained a video clip, showing a women polling station’s presiding officer in Jalaluddin Balkhi School encouraging females to vote for a specific candidate.

Regional IEC officials said the polling process was going on well and there were no any security incidents so far.

mds/mud

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