<p>KUNDUZ CITY (Pajhwok): Security officials said on Sunday 22 of the 218 polling stations faced high security risks in northeastern Kunduz province, but efforts were being made to protect the sites.</p>
<p>Kunduz police chief, Brig. Gen. Mustafa Mohseni, said the 22 polling stations were located in Khanabad, Chahar Dara, Qala Zal and Dasht-i-Archi districts.</p>
<p>He said new police posts would be established to provide security for the polling sites, admitting rebels posed a serious threat in Qala Zal and Khanabad towns.</p>
<p>The police chief said security forces were capable to purge the areas of militants, but Khanabad residents say more 2,000 fighters have been operating in the district.</p>
<p>The Independent Election Commission (<a href="/en/iec" class="glossify-link">IEC</a>) has said security organs had acknowledged they would not be able to provide security for 414 of 6845 polling stations in 11 provinces.</p>
<p>Mohsini said police were ready to protect presidential and provincial candidates during the electioneering.</p>
<p>The presidential election campaign formally began on Sunday and the campaign for provincial council elections would start a month later on March 4.</p>
<p>Afghan National Army coordination commander Bashir Basharat they had chalked out a comprehensive security plan with police on how to deal with any untoward incident during the election process.</p>
<p>IEC regional public awareness director Hamidullah Baloch told Pajhwok Afghan News security forces had assured them they would maintain security for polling stations facing threats.</p>
<p>He said the voter registration process had so far been hitch-free and hoped security forces would be able to provide a peaceful <a href="/en/environment" class="glossify-link">environment</a> to voters.</p>
<p>mds/ma</p>
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