445 polling stations to remain closed nation-wide: IEC

KABUL) said on Friday.

Addressing a joint press conference here, security officials called on people to come out and exercise their democratic right fearlessly.

Army Chief Lt. Gen. Bismillah Waziri said the security plan had been prepared in close coordination with army, police and the National Directorate of Security (NDS).

He said the security plan is comprised of three parts the beginning of elections, during elections and after elections.

 Gen. Khoshal Sadaat, security secretary of interior ministry, said strict security arrangements had been put in place for the security of elections.

He added the first phase of elections which was the campaign period completed successfully, adding the second phase will begin tomorrow when people vote.

He said due to effective security arrangements there were almost no attacks during election campaign.

Habiburrahman Wardak, secretary of the IEC, said that 445 polling stations out of total 5,373 polling stations will remain close during elections.

He said full preparations had been made for presidential elections and everything conducted through election schedule.

He asked the observers to ensure neutrality and successful conduct of presidential elections.

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