HR group concerned at electoral impasse

KABUL (Pajhwok): A global human rights group on Friday voiced its concern at the dragging election process, urging both campaigns to help in compilation of results at the earliest in accordance with the law.

An official of the European Campaign for Human Rights in Afghanistan (ECHRA) told journalists in Kabul the electoral impasse was impinging on the country’s economic, political, security and social landscapes.

Asking the Independent Election Commission (IEC) and the two campaigns to expedite the vote audit, Noorul Haq Nasimi alleged: “The government’s interference in affairs of the electoral institutions has led to the current confusion in the country.”

“If the government and decision makers don’t respect the popular vote and protect the interest of certain individuals or teams, the nascent Afghan institutions will be dealt a severe blow,” Nasimi warned.

The ECHRA official went on to call for the presidential candidates to act according to popular aspirations, respect the people’s votes and help break the deadlock.

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