Pajhwok Afghan News (PAN)

Transcription

Pajhwok Afghan News (PAN)
Weekly Election Coverage Newsletter, May 21-27
Plots being hatched to divide Afghans: Abdullah
By Muhammad Hassan Khetab May 21, 2014 - 19:09
Massoud pledges support to Ahmadzai
By Azizullah Hamdard May 22, 2014 - 11:18
KABUL (Pajhwok): Frontrunner Dr. Abdullah Abdullah
on Wednesday warned many plots were being hatched to
create differences among the Afghans on ethnic lines,
saying such attempts would not be allowed to succeed.
Addressing a gathering, where the Afghanistan Youth
Solidarity Party’s head Jamil Karzai joined his camp,
Abdullah said those trying to fuel ethnic divisions among
the Afghans would not be able to achieve their goals.
“Many plots are underway; those who want to fuel
regional, tribal and ethnic differences should know that
such efforts will not come to fruition in Afghanistan,” the
former foreign minister added.
He said strong-willed people, who discharged their
responsibility by thronging polling stations on April 5,
would again make history on June 14.
If elected, Abdullah promised to work honestly to take
forward the national reconciliation process, with a clear
policy guaranteeing a bright future for Afghans.
He continued he had shared his views with the electoral
bodies about reforms and further legalising the electoral
process. He is awaiting their response.
About Ashraf Ghani Ahmadzai’s recent statement,
Abdullah said: “This is a kind of fun ahead of
electioneering. I don’t feel any need to prove my
credentials about Islamic studies and people know what
the matter is.” Ghani has invited Abdullah to a televise
debate on religious studies.
Jamil Karzai, a relative of President Karzai and a former
Wolesi Jirga member, said they planned joining forces
with Abdullah in the runoff, pending an overall evaluation
of the situation.
KABUL (Pajhwok): Former vice-president Ahmad Zia
Massoud on Thursday formally announced support to
presidential contender Dr. Ashraf Ghani Ahmadzai in the
second round of the ballot.
Zia Massoud pledged support to Ahmadzai at a meeting
attended by the two leaders and members of the electoral
team at the Loya Jirga tent in Kabul.
A brother of assassinated jihadi hero Ahmad Shah
Massoud, Zia Massoud has been the running mate of
ex-foreign minister Dr. Zalmai Rassoul in the April 5 polls.
With the process heading to the second round, a number of
political figures and first- round runners are joining forces
with the two leading contenders.
Dr. Rassoul and Gul Agha Sherzai have already announced
support for Abdullah. Ahmadzai and Abdullah will contest
the second round scheduled for June 14.
http://www.pajhwok.com/en/2014/05/22/massoud-pledgessupport-ahmadzai
http://www.pajhwok.com
3-week campaign kicks off
By Meer Agha Nasrat Samimi May 21, 2014 - 17:40
KABUL (Pajhwok): Amid security concerns, three-week
canvassing for the runoff election between Dr. Abdullah
Abdullah and Dr. Ashraf Ghani Ahmadzai began on
Thursday. In line with the law and the timeline announced
by the panel, the presidential candidates could open their
campaign from 12 midnight, the Independent Election
Commission (IEC) spokesman told reporters in Kabul.
Noor Mohammad Noor hoped both runners would eschew
breaking the laws. The campaign will end on June 11 -- 24
hours before polling day.
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http://www.elections.pajhwok.com/www.vote.af
Pajhwok Afghan News
Election Coverage Newsletter
Having 16 chapters and 80 articles, the Electoral Law was
endorsed by President Hamid Karzai on July 20 after its
approval by parliament.
Also in today’s meeting, the lawmakers had urged
government to take practical measures against cross-border
attacks from Pakistani troops. If the government was unable
to resolve the problem, people should be allowed to defend
their motherland.
Second Deputy Speaker Mohammad Saleh Saljooqi said the
government should bring clarity to its foreign policy and
address the challenges and problems facing the country.
Wolesi Jirga ponders amendment to Election Law
By Abasin Zaheer May 21, 2014 - 16:36
KABUL (Pajhwok): Lawmakers on Wednesday suggested
two conditions, including graduation, for Wolesi Jirga
(lower house) candidates should be added to the Election
Law.
They proposed a Wolesi Jirga runner should either be a
graduate or a member of the house for one term -- five
years. Fifteen legislators demanded the addition of one
sentence to Article 14 of the law.
Deputy Speaker Siddique Ahmad Osmani, who chaired
the session, said they would consider the suggestion
regarding the additional conditions for candidates.
Article 14 of the Election Law says a person who runs for
or is appointed as a member of the National Assembly,
shall be an Afghan citizen or shall have obtained the citizenship of Afghanistan at least 10 years
before the day of candidacy.
The candidate should not have been convicted of crimes
against humanity and felony or deprived of civil rights by
court. He/she should be 25 years old on the day of
candidacy.
But a public representative from central Parwan province,
Abdul Sattar Khawasi, said the Wolesi Jirga could not
amend the law in the last year of its tenure.
Article 109 of the Constitution says: “Proposals for
amendments to the electoral law cannot be included in the
agenda of the assembly during the last year of the legislative period.”
The last year of the Wolesi Jirga’s term will commence on
June 22. Osmani said they had one month’s time to
debate amendments to the law.
Finally, lawmakers agreed on including the issue in the
agenda for the next session. It would be debated at the
commission level and recommendations would be
presented to the general session, Osmani said.
Pakistan trying to scuttle run-off: NDS
KABUL (Pajhwok): The National Directorate of Security
(NDS) deputy chief on Wednesday alleged Pakistan was
trying to sabotage the run-off election due on June 14.
Gen. Hasamuddin Hassam levelled the allegation at a
meeting which was attended by officials of the Independent
Election Commission (IEC), Ministry of Interior (MoI) and
Ministry of Defence (MoD).
Gen. Hassam said Pakistan wanted to harass the ordinary
Afghans by firing volleys of rockets and missiles into
Afghanistan and aiding militant activities ahead of the
crucial vote.
Minister of Interior Omar Daudzai voiced his concern over
cross-border incursions by Pakistani forces. He said
Pakistan recently fired rockets into Paktika, Kunar and
Khost provinces.
IEC Chairman Mohammad Yousaf Nuristan asked security
forces to ensure their neutrality in the election process. The
panel had taken steps to prevent the mistakes committed in
the first round of elections.
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Pajhwok Afghan News
Fire fraud-tainted staff, IEC offices told
By Pajhwok reporter May 21, 2014 - 18:37
KABUL (Pajhwok): The Independent Election
Commission (IEC) on Wednesday asked its provincial
heads to fire the workers who failed to maintain neutrality
during the first round of presidential elections on April 5.
IEC heads from all 34 provinces attended the first day of a
two-day workshop that began at the commission’s
headquarters in Kabul.
Secretary Ziaul Haq Amarkhel told the provincial chiefs to
appoint impartial people to their offices and replace those
who had committed irregularities in the previous round.
The workshop is aimed at preventing reoccurrence of
mistakes and shortcomings during the runoff presidential
race due on June 14.
Amarkhel said some powerful individuals, local warlords
and illegal armed group commanders had interfered in the
April 5 elections and some impartial IEC workers had
sided with candidates.
Keeping in view the past mistakes and experience, he said,
they would not let those things recur, asking provincial
IEC chiefs to strengthen cooperation and coordination
with local officials, civil society representatives and
international observers.
Amarkhel said the April 5 presidential and provincial
council elections were a great achievement in the face of
so many challenges.
http://www.pajhwok.com/en/2014/05/21/fire-fraud-tainted
-staff-iec-offices-told
despite challenges. But holding the runoff vote would be
more challenging, he added.
An ex-ambassador, Daudzai said armed rebels went to their
hideouts across the border in the winter. Trained and
equipped there, they returned in the summer season. The
Taliban’s anti-government operations have escalated with
the approach of the spring.
He acknowledged: “Rebel attacks have increased, as many
foreign fighters have infiltrated into the country to disrupt
the election process. But people should know that they
(insurgents) cannot sabotage the process.”
Daudzai added people intended to elect their next president
by demonstrating their interest in the form of a massive
turnout in the first round of polls, with security forces
warding off insurgent threats.
The minister said provincial officials had pledged not to
spare any effort to ensure security and foil fraud attempts.
Weaknesses and strengths of security forces, especially
police, came up for discussion at a recent meeting, he
recalled.
According to Daudzai, 748 polling centres remained closed
in the previous polls and 205 more centres had been added
to the list on election day. Most of closed sites had weather
and security problems.
A joint security team would start its assessment next week
to ascertain how many polling centres would open on the
voting day, he explained.
http://www.pajhwok.com/en/2014/05/22/runoff-will-bemore-challenging-daudzai
Abdullah ready for televised debate with Ghani
By Khawaja Basir fitri May 22, 2014 - 18:41
Runoff will be more challenging: Daudzai
KABUL (Pajhwok): The minister of interior on Thursday
said the second round of presidential polls would be more
challenging, claiming foreign militants had sneaked into
Afghanistan to disrupt the process. At a news conference
in Kabul, Mohammad Omar Daudzai said the first round
of elections on April 5 was held in a peaceful environment
KABUL (Pajhwok): Embarking on his runoff election
campaign, frontrunner Dr. Abdullah Abdullah on Thursday
said he was ready for a televised debate with his main
challenger Ashraf Ghani Ahmadzai.
Ahmadzai, who finished second in the first round of
presidential elections, has invited Abdullah to a televised
debate on their future programmes and Islamic
knowledge.Abdullah told his maiden campaign rally in
Kabul that debate was part of electioneering and he was
ready to participate in a debate to be aired by multiple
media outlets.
However, Abdullah on Wednesday called Ahmadzai’s
challenge a joke, saying: “I don’t see any need to prove my
religious credentials because people know what the real
issue is?”
But today he said: “If the people and media outlets ask for
an earnest debate, I am at their service.” He added the
debate should be covered by all media outlets because he
needed time for his election campaign.
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Pajhwok Afghan News
The 20-day electioneering for the runoff presidential
elections due on June 14 kicked off on Thursday.
Abdullah said he had never committed demagoguery and
had always explained his programmes honestly to the
nation.
He urged the people to throng polling stations and cast
their votes in the same spirit they showed on April 5. He
said his team represented all sections of society and was
committed to the rule of law, peace, stability, security and
reconstruction.
Abdullah also cited a long list of problems and future
plans which he would implement if won the runoff. “We
secured most votes from women on the April 5, and we
have special programme for them if we win.”
“We are starting as of today our visits to provinces to
explain our plans to people,” the former foreign minister
said, vowing to establish a government accountable to the
masses.
Stressing positive competition, Abdullah said they wanted
the runoff to be conducted in a fair, transparent and
inclusive manner, asking the electoral commissions to do
their job with honesty.
“We have shared our views and suggestions, which are
mostly reformative, with the electoral commissions to
have a better runoff,” he added.
Called the runoff a new experience for the people, he said
his team was committed to ensuring justice, equality,
reforms and peace, saying problems of Kuchi tribesmen
and villagers would be resolved in a proper way.
http://www.pajhwok.com/en/2014/05/22/abdullah-readytelevised-debate-ghani
Dr. Ashraf Ghani Ahmadzai in the runoff ballot due on June
14. The assurance of support came at a gathering held at the
residence of Ahmadzai in Kabul. Hundreds of Ahmadzai
tribe elders participated in the meeting.
Eng. Ahmadzai, a former minister and head of the Iqtidar-iIslami Afghanistan party, addressed the meeting. He said
Ahmadzai had the capability to put the country on the right
track and ensure peace, security and development of
Afghanistan.
Dr. Abdul Wali Ahmadzai, on behalf of elders from the
tribe, said they had decided to back the ex-finance minister
after weeks of consultations.
For his part, the former World Bank economist thanked the
tribe for its support and said he would do all he could to
measures up to the expectations and hopes the nation had
pinned on him.
Separately, Ahmadzai’s campaign team in southeastern
Paktia province urged militants to shun violence and
support the candidate in the crucial runoff vote.
http://www.pajhwok.com/en/2014/05/23/ex-jihadi-leadersupports-ahmadzai
Sayyaf wants runners to cement national unity
By Pajhwok Report May 23, 2014 - 17:32
KABUL (Pajhwok): Leading religious scholar and jihadi
leader Abdur Rab Rassoul Sayyaf on Friday urged the two
presidential candidates to spell out their programmes
solidarity among the people and territorial integrity of the
country.
“I believe that you (the presidential runners) -- like other
Afghans -- are interested in peace, stability and national
unity,” Sayyaf said in a statement, stressing clear plans for
national harmony. Recent testy exchanges between
Ex-jihadi Leader supports Ahmadzai
supporters of Dr. Abdullah and Ashraf Ghani Ahmadzai not
hurt the dignity of their leaders, but also lacerated the
KABUL (Pajhwok): Former jihadi Leader Eng. Ahmad sentiments of those who desired national unity and
Shah Ahmadzai and other elders of his tribe on Friday solidarity, he observed.
announced support to presidential contender
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Pajhwok Afghan News
One of the 11 contenders in the first round of the vote on
April 5, he believed fueling ethnic, linguistic and regional
tensions would have serious repercussions for the
war-weary nation.
“My sincere and friendly advice to both candidates and
their supporters is to respect Afghanistan’s integrity,
national unity, solidarity among different ethnic
communities and religious values,” he concluded.
http://www.pajhwok.com/en/2014/05/23/sayyaf-wantsrunners-cement-national-unity
Candidates warned of disqualification
By Hassan Khitab May 24, 2014 - 17:21
KABUL (Pajhwok): The Independent Election (IEC) on
Saturday warned presidential runners of disqualification if
they trampled on relevant laws.
IEC spokesman Noor Muhammad told reporters in Kabul
both presidential hopefuls should avoid raking up ethnic
and religious issues during their campaigns.
He asked the contenders and their campaign managers to
canvass keeping in view the election laws and rules. In case
of violations, the IEC reserved the right to disqualify any
candidate, he added.
http://www.pajhwok.com/en/2014/05/24/candidates-warned
-disqualification
40pc of IEC employees in Takhar fired
Fuelling racism intolerable: Abdullah
By Sahel Mangal May 24, 2014 - 17:06
GARDEZ (Pajhwok): Leading Presidential candidate Dr.
Abdullah Abdullah on Saturday made clear no one would
be allowed to spread linguistic and ethnic fanaticism or
frictions among the Afghans.
Addressing a mammoth gathering in connection with his
poll campaign in southeastern Paktika province, Abdullah
urged thousands of people to vote for his team for the
sake of reforms and security.
He promised to create job opportunities for the people of
the strategically important province. If elected to power,
he will build the Machalgho power dam and declare
Paktia a first-grade province.
TALOQAN (Pajhwok): An official of the provincial
Independent Election Commission (IEC) said on Saturday
40 percent of employees had been sacked for failing to
demonstrate neutrality in the April 5 elections.
In an exclusive interview with Pajhwok Afghan News, IEC
Director Roohullah Mosawi said a committee had been
tasked to investigate employees involved in fraud. Most of
the 50 workers found guilty had been fired.
“Yes, we have sacked 50 employees, regional organisers
whose hiring was based on compromise. Other employees
could continue with their jobs,” the official explained.
He believed a surge in polling sites for the July 14 runoff
vote would help residents of far-off areas participate in the
elections without any hassle.
But civil society activist Shafiqi Shujaee alleged most of
the election commission employees were involved in fraud.
He urged the IEC to pave the ground for fair polls.
http://www.pajhwok.com/en/2014/05/24/40pc-iecemployees-takhar-fired
Militants' surrender to bolster poll security
“I have all respect for ethnicities, religions and languages. By Hadi Ghafari May 25, 2014 - 14:30
I will not allow anyone to trample on the rights of any
BAMYAN CITY (Pajhwok): With the surrender of 20
tribe or ethnic group if I win the election,” he reiterated.
Abdul Rehman Mangal, Abdullah’s campaign manager in militants, polling sites that previously faced threats would
the province, said that ex-foreign minister enjoyed more become secure in central Bamyan province, an official
hoped on Saturday. Mohammad Sadiq Ali Yar, head of the
support in Paktika than his rival.
peace committee, lauded the group for shunning violence
Abdullah’s victory would spur development projects in and joining the peace process. He said the ongoing
the province, he said, urging people to cast their vote in insurgency was legalising the presence of foreign troops in
the country. During the April 5 elections, voting at three
favour of him.
http://www.pajhwok.com/en/2014/05/24/fuelling-racism- polling sites in Ashpishta and Khamard districts in Bamyan
and Tala and Barfak districts in Baghlan could not take
intolerable-abdullah
place due to militant attacks.
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Pajhwok Afghan News
PC members warn of boycotting runoff
By Gul Mohammad Tanha May 25, 2014 - 14:50
FAIZABAD (Pajhwok): Calling preliminary results
unfair, protesting provincial council candidates in
northeastern Badakhshan province on Sunday warned of
boycotting the presidential runoff.
Provincial council preliminary results were announced by
the Independent Election Commission (IEC) five days
ago. Of 118 runners from Badakhshan, 15 including four
females won provincial council seats.
But those who failed ballot slammed the initial results as
unfair, calling for a recount of votes. Saadullah Abo
Aman, one of the protestors, alleged massive fraud in
Badakhshan, where IEC employees stuffed ballot boxes
in favour of certain candidates.
He urged the election commission to recount the ballots in
the interest of transparency and respect for people’s
mandate.
His colleague, Saira Saba Alamyar, said: “I obtained
2,562 votes, while our rivals who were not expected to
grab even 1,000, bagged 4,000 through fraud. This
showed massive rigging.”
At the end of the protest, they issued a joint statement,
saying: “We will boycott the second round of presidential
elections, slated for June 14, if our legal demands are not
met.”
But Badakhshan IEC officials say the preliminary results
were announced by their main office in Kabul and they
could not interfere in the process.
http://www.pajhwok.com/en/2014/05/25/pc-memberswarn-boycotting-runoff
in Mazar-i-Sharif, the gathering stressed creation of
awareness among the masses about the upcoming ballot.
Zuhra Zia, who heads the NGO’s oversight and training
section, told Pajhwok Afghan News the gathering was
aimed at telling the people how much important the runoff
election was for Afghanistan’s future.
She said their aim was to encourage people into
participating in the elections. She said they had organised
similar gatherings in the run-up to the April 5 elections in
14 provinces and had positive results.
It was their maiden gathering concerning the runoff
elections in Balkh, she said, adding they would spread their
message using brochures, journals and written texts in
provinces, where they could not hold gatherings due to
insecurity.
Through such gatherings, she said, they wanted to
encourage more and more women into taking part in the
elections.
Religious scholar Maulvi Mohammadullah, who attended
the gathering, said the importance of ballot was clearly
defined in Islam, which had paved the ground for Muslims
to participate.
Another participant, Shahla, told Pajhwok Afghan News
such awareness-creating gatherings were crucial to ensuring
increased turnout.
She said the participants should pass on the messages they
learnt to residents of their restive villages.
http://www.pajhwok.com/en/2014/05/25/balkh-gatheringhighlights-runoff-importance
FEFA links ballot papers shortfall to fraud
KABUL (Pajhwok): The Free and Fair Election Foundation
of Afghanistan (FEFA) on Sunday asked the electoral body
to establish additional polling stations for the runoff
election and review reasons for ballot paper shortages
during the first round." height="1" width="1">
In its findings, FEFA said the Independent Election
Commission (IEC) had established over 20,000 polling
stations nationwide on April 5 but the stations proved not
enough to allow all voters access to the sites.
In most populated areas, the watchdog said, voters had been
unable to cast votes due to shortage of ballot papers.
“According to voting procedures, 600 ballot papers must be
Balkh gathering highlights runoff importance
available in each polling station. The casting process
By Zabihullah Ihsas May 25, 2014 - 18:02
shouldn’t take more than a minute because 9 hours for the
whole 600 papers are required to be used in a normal pace,”
MAZAR-I-SHARIF (Pajhwok): Civil society activists on
the FEFA said in a statement.
Sunday held a gathering in the capital of northern Balkh
It said shortfall of ballots in early hours of voting could be
and highlighted the importance of the runoff presidential
ambiguous in its own nature and measures taken by the IEC
elections due on June 14. Organised by the
in this regard required a thorough evaluation.
non-governmental organisation “Assistance and Fast
Development”
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Pajhwok Afghan News
Ghani promises to make Massoud 3rd VP
By Ahmad Quraishi May 25, 2014 - 21:01
Rassoul’s chief campaigner switches sides
By Pajhwok Report May 25, 2014 - 20:57
JALALABAD (Pajhwok): Chief campaigner for Zalmai
Rassoul during the April 5 presidential elections in
eastern Nangarhar province on Sunday declared support
to frontrunner Ashraf Ghani Ahmadzai.
The announcement was made at a gathering, where a
number of religious scholars and Sikh community
members voiced their support for Ghani in the runoff
election due on June 14.
Participants said they were optimistic that the turnout in
the second round of elections would be higher than the
previous round in eastern provinces.
Haji Amir Khan Yar, who represents Nangarhar in the
Wolesi Jirga, said he would support Ashraf Ghani in the
runoff. Yar was chief campaigner for Zalmai Rassoul in
Nangarhar in the previous round.
Rassoul, a former foreign minister, who finished third in
the presidential race, has joined forces with leading
candidate Abdullah Abdullah.
“I support Ashraf Ghani Ahmadzai because he worth it.
The elections showed the masses want Ghani,” Yar said.
Azizullah Din, a member of Ghani’s campaign team,
asked the people to widely participate in the runoff
election.
Sikh community leader Dr. Amir Singh said they would
support Ghani in the second round. “We are Afghans and
will participate in the elections.”
Hundreds of people attended the gathering. Religious
scholars, who spoke on the occasion, called Ashraf Ghani
a preferred choice.
http://www.pajhwok.com/en/2014/05/25/rassoul%E2%
80%99s-chief-campaigner-switches-sides
KABUL (Pajhwok): Presidential candidate Dr. Ashraf
Ghani Ahmadzai on Sunday said Ahmad Zia Massoud
would be appointed as a third-vice president by amending
the Constitution if he won the runoff presidential race.
Ghani told reporters in Kabul that he had signed a 10-article
agreement with Massoud on the issue of amending the
Constitution to pave the way for his appointment as third
VP.
Under the Article 1 of the agreement, Ghani said he had
agreed to amend the Constitution to increase the presence
of prominent political and tribal figures in his
administration.
Based on the accord, a third vice-president post would be
created with a specific mandate and would be added to the
Constitution under another agreement with the Parliament
or a Loya Jirga.
The decision to convene a Loya Jirga would be taken
shortly after the president’s swearing-in ceremony and until
that time, the third vice-president would be appointed
through a legislative decree.
http://www.pajhwok.com/en/2014/05/25/ghani-promisesmake-massoud-3rd-vp
Don’t fuel tensions, Nuristani tells runners
By Meer Agha Nasrat Samimi May 25, 2014 - 21:13
KABUL (Pajhwok): The Independent Election Commission
chairman on Sunday asked the presidential runners to run
their campaigns within the framework of relevant laws and
avoid raking up issues that might fuel tensions.
Ahmad Yousaf Nuristani told a news conference in Kabul
that both candidates Dr. Abdullah and Ashraf Ghani should
seek votes on the basis of their programmes for promoting
good governance and economic growth.
He urged the contenders to respect religious beliefs, rule of
law and established customs in their campaign for the June
14 runoff vote. He called for them to eschew raising divisive religious, ethnic and linguistic issues.
“For the sake of strengthening the spirit of unity and avoiding differences, both should explain their programmes and
priorities to the masses. They should desist from … offending the people and using provocative language,” the IEC
head stressed.
Abdullah and Ghani recently traded hot words and allegations of fraud in the election. Abdullah discounted Sibghatullah Mujaddedi’s support to Ghani, who in turn accused his rival of having a violent background.
Similarly, he hinted at strict observation of the voting process to thwart attempts at rigging.
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Pajhwok Afghan News
He recalled around 35,000 observers had been issued
cards during the first round of polls but 30 percent of them
had no presence at polling sites.
Observers played a critical role in foiling bids to commit
irregularities, he acknowledging, hoping that efforts were
made not to repeat flaws done in the first round of
elections.
The IEC would give 25,000 cards to each candidate, he
said, adding creation of 3,500 new polling sites was under
consideration. Total strength of polling sites will reach
23,313.
In addition, he said the IEC had sacked and blacklisted
5,488 employees involved in fraud. The decision to fire
the tainted employees was taken to ensure transparency in
the runoff vote, he said.
He said that a number of names of those government
officials who interfered in the election process had been
sent to the presidential palace for action against them.
The IEC had conveyed its reservations to security
agencies with regard to elections and they had promised
fool-proof security.
http://www.pajhwok.com/en/2014/05/25/don%E2%80%
99t-fuel-tensions-nuristani-tells-runners
Meetings conducted by DI’s Core Team have included
principals at the Independent Election Commission (IEC),
the Independent Election Complaints Commission (IECC),
political parties and candidate campaigns, domestic
observation and civil society organizations, government
officials, diplomats, other international election observers
and representatives from the international community.
A signatory to the Declaration of Principles for
International
Election
Observation
and
the
Code of Conduct for International Election Observers, DI
will conduct its mission in accordance with these principles,
the statement said.
DI’s observers include election experts, regional experts,
and development and political professionals from around
the world will witness all phases of the electoral process in
accordance with the Declaration of Principles until the final
results were announced.
“The mission expects to issue a final report in the weeks
after
the
electoral
process
concludes.”
DI provides analytical services, technical assistance, and
project implementation for democracy and governance programs worldwide.
Since its founding in 2003, DI has worked in 70 countries.
DI has conducted election observation missions and
election-assistance programs in Afghanistan, Albania,
Bangladesh, Djibouti, Ecuador, Egypt, El Salvador, Ghana,
Indonesia, Liberia, Pakistan, Sudan and South Sudan.
http://www.pajhwok.com/en/2014/05/25/di-observe-2ndround-presidential-vote
DI to observe 2nd round of presidential vote
By Pajhwok Reporter May 25, 2014 - 22:29
KABUL (Pajhwok): The US-based Democracy
International (DI) is deploying a team of international
election experts and observers to Afghanistan’s upcoming
presidential run-off election.
“DI will deploy its observers to provinces across the
country during the pre-election period, election day, and
the initial vote tabulation at polling stations … the entire
election process, including the vote-tallying and
complaints adjudication processes of the June 14 run-off
election,” the DI said in a statement.
Previously, the statement was erroneously attributed to
the US Embassy.
DI established its observation mission in early February,
and has since been in constant contact with relevant
stakeholders in Kabul and in provinces across the country,
the statement said.
Election awareness campaign for women sought
By Abdul Maqsood Azizi May 26, 2014 - 15:03
PUL-I-ALAM (Pajhwok): Director of women affairs in
central Logar province on Monday demanded launching an
inclusive awareness campaign to ensure greater
participation of women in the presidential runoff vote.
In her interview with Pajhwok Afghan News, Shima Zargar
said local tradition was a stumbling block hampering
women folk from casting their vote in the election.
Page 8
Pajhwok Afghan News
During the last elections, dozens of instances could be
found in which male members did not allow their female
to cast vote.
“A very small number of women from Azri, Khwarwar
and Charkh districts took part in the April 5 polls,” she
lamented.
With the support of Independent Election Commission
(IEC), she urged services of media, civil society networks,
religious leaders and tribal elders should be employed to
create awareness regarding importance of women vote in
the election.
“If a campaign for women awareness is launched then it
will multiply women participation in the ballot process,”
she hoped.
Haji Gul Mohammad, a local from provincial capital,
acknowledged women had little participation in the last
election. “No one in our area allowed women to go to
polling station and cast their vote,” he added.
http://www.pajhwok.com/en/2014/05/26/electionawareness-campaign-women-sought
“If there are contradictions in statements from the
spokespersons and governors, people’s confidence in
security forces will be damaged. It will be in interest of the
enemy,” he continued.
Defence Ministry spokesperson Zahir Azimi also said the
militants had launched propaganda, but security forces were
in a good position to counter it.
The Independent Election Commission (IEC) said it had
shared the list of polling stations with security forces.
http://www.pajhwok.com/en/2014/05/26/security-lapseschallenge-runoff-idlg
Nasiri tribe vows support to Ahmadzai
By Khwaja Basir Fitri May 26, 2014 - 17:05
Security lapses challenge to runoff: IDLG
KABUL (Pajhwok): The Independent Directorate of Local Governance (IDLG) on Monday called the runoff
presidential vote challenging, warning militants might
foment trouble in case of major security lapses.
Addressing a meeting of ministries’ spokespersons, provincial governors and police chiefs, IDLG deputy head
Abdul Mateen Baig said the militants were preparing to
avenge their defeat during the first round of elections.
“We should not say the first round was successful; instead
we should strive to prevent insurgents’ propaganda and to
defeat them once again,” he remarked, stressing strong
coordination among ministries’ spokesperson and security
organs.
In an attempt to win public confidence, Baig asked the
spokespersons to dish out unified messages.
Interior Ministry spokesman Siddique Siddiqui said 85
percent of Taliban’s propaganda was focused on eroding
people’s trust in the security forces. He asked provincial
spokespersons to avoid making remarks on security indents without coordination with their seniors.
KABUL (Pajhwok): The Nasiri tribal council of southern
Ghazni province on Monday announced support to
presidential runner Dr. Ashraf Ghani Ahmadzai in the
runoff polls.
At a gathering attended by hundreds of people in Kabul, the
council head, Haji Najibullah Nasiri, said his tribe had
decided to back Ahmadzai, who was a man of principle and
competence.
He added his tribe would support Ahmadzai’s team in the
larger interest of the country. “Once we used our fingers to
pull the trigger and defend our motherland. Now we will
use the same finger to reshape the fate of our country.”
Other members of the council urged Ahmadzai to forge
unity, build peace, strengthen the economy, create
employment opportunities and develop the country’s ailing
education sector if he was elected as president.
Ahmadzai assured the gathering he would delegate powers
to people at the grassroots level if he was elected as head of
state.
Calling fraud and rigging the enemy number one of the
democratic process, he asked supporters to closely monitor
the election process.
http://www.pajhwok.com/en/2014/05/26/nasiri-tribe-vowssupport-ahmadzai
Page 9
Pajhwok Afghan News
Around 3,000 complaints had been received by IECC,
which would be investigated in six days, IEC spokesman
Nader Mohseni told reporters in Kabul.
Mohseni urged provincial council candidates to present
complete documents during complaint hearings. The
meetings would be open and everyone could attend, he
added.
The IEC official said every zone had been allocated one
day. But complaints from the south and southeastern zone
will be investigated in two days.
He said the watchdog would convey its final decision on
complaints to the Independent Election Commission (IEC)
on June 2. On May 20, IEC announced the preliminary
results after a three days delay.
http://www.pajhwok.com/en/2014/05/27/hearing-electioncomplaints-31st
Mahmud Karzai, scores of MPs back Abdullah
KABUL (Pajhwok): Mahmud Karzai, President Hamid
Karzai’s brother, and several parliamentarians on Monday
announced support to Dr. Abdullah in the June 14 runoff.
Addressing a gathering here, Mahmud Karzai said he had
joined Abdullah’s camp for the sake of national unity and
political and economic stability of Afghanistan.
He cited unemployment and a weak economy as grave
problems, saying that Abdullah’s team had a
comprehensive plan to address the problems.
Domestic power generation, road and railway
construction, development of the agriculture sector and
construction of townships were Karzai’s condition for
supporting Abdullah.
Several members of the Wolesi Jirga and Meshrano Jirga
also lent their weight to Abdullah. About 110 Wolesi
Jirga members and 66 senators announced supporting
him.
Senator Nisar Hares, speaking on behalf of his colleagues,
said they would back Abdullah in the runoff. He claimed
the candidate would an outright winner and his team
would be able to tackle challenges.
Abdullah read out the names of the parliamentarians and
prominent political figures who have announced support
to him.
http://www.pajhwok.com/en/2014/05/26/mahmud-karzaiscores-mps-back-abdullah
Pashayee tribe promises support to Ahmadzai
By Mahbob Shah Mahbob May 27, 2014 - 15:52
JALALABAD (Pajhwok): Supportive of Zalmai Rassoul in
the April 5 vote, the Pashayee tribe in the eastern zone on
Tuesday announced to back Dr. Ashraf Ghani Ahmadzai in
the second round of the presidential polls.
The tribe made the decision at a well-attended meeting in
Jalalabad, the capital of eastern Nangarhar province. Tribal
elder Noor Agha Malikzai said the Pashayees would vote
for Ahmadzai on June 14.
He recalled the tribe had supported Rassoul in the last
election but would back Ahmadzai in the runoff. “A
Hearing of election complaints from 31st
number of elders are here to demonstrate support to
By Mohammad halim Karimi May 27, 2014 - 15:27
Ahmadzai. I’m doing so on behalf of my tribe.”
KABUL (Pajhwok): The independent Electoral Ahmadzai was a man of high calibre and international
Complaints Commission (IECC) will start probing stature, he noted, saying the tribe had held a series of
complaints against provincial council results on May 31, consultative meetings before deciding to swing behind the
candidate.
an official said on Tuesday.
Page 10
Pajhwok Afghan News
Losing PC runners take to the streets
By Abdul Maqsud Azizi May 27, 2014 - 16:10
PUL-I-ALAM (Pajhwok): Losing provincial council
candidates on Tuesday staged a protest in the capital of
central Logar province, accusing the Independent Election
Commission (IEC) of fraud in tallying votes.
Accompanied by their supporters, the candidates, whose
names were missing from the list of winners in the
preliminary results, protested in front of the IEC office in
Pul-i-Alam.
Farzana Shansab, a losing candidate, told Pajhwok
Afghan News widespread fraud had been committed in
the April 5 provincial council elections and people’s votes
had been disrespected.
“IEC officials had stuffed ballot boxes with fake votes in
return for money,” she alleged.
Another failing candidate, Mohammad Nasir Ghairat,
who contested the elections from the Mohammad Agha
district, claimed result sheets had been interfered with.
“A have a copy of the result sheet from a polling station.
The copy shows I have the most votes, but the current list
shows I have the least votes from the same station. If it's
not fraud then what is this?”
Haji Mohammad Ibrahim, a resident of the Azra district,
who took part in the protest, said people had voted in the
elections by risking their lives, but their spirit had no
value with the election commission.
“My question is why fraud was committed,” asked the
disgruntled candidate, who on behalf other losing runners
called for a recount of votes in order to separate
fraudulent ballots from real ones.
The protest that continued for two hours came to an end
after provincial council deputy head Mohammad Hashim
Faizi held talks with the protestors and promised to raise
the issue with the authorities concerned.
But IEC head in Logar Nimatullah Wardak rejected the
claims that fraud had been committed in vote tallying
process.
http://www.pajhwok.com/en/2014/05/27/losing-pcrunners-take-streets
Former spymaster swings behind Abdullah
KABUL (Pajhwok): The Afghanistan Green Trend (AGT),
led by Amarullah Saleh, on Tuesday announced support to
Dr. Abdullah Abdullah in the runoff ballot on June 14.
After comprehensive consultations, the AGT decided to put
its weight behind the team led by Abdullah, said Saleh, a
former National Directorate of Security (NDS) chief.
He told a gathering in Kabul growing poverty, corruption
and ethnic differences were major problems faced by the
Afghans. He asked the reforms and unanimity team to
strive for overcoming the problems.
Abdullah thanked AGT, saying he felt proud of having the
backing of talented youths. Earlier, other parties and
members of parliament announced their support to
Abdullah in the runoff vote.
http://www.pajhwok.com/en/2014/05/27/former-spymasterswings-behind-abdullah
IEC wants fraud-tainted officials fired
By Muhammad Hassan Khitab May 27, 2014 - 17:00
KABUL (Pajhwok): The Independent Election Commission
(IEC) on Tuesday warned if the government failed to fire
the officials allegedly involved in fraud and rigging, the
panel would have to make public their names.
Addressing a press conference on Tuesday, IEC Chairman
Muhammad Yousuf Nuristani claimed that the officials
who committed electoral anomalies included some
governors, security commanders and mayors.
A list containing names and designations of such officials
had been sent to the government, with a strong call for their
immediate removal from their posts, he added. If the president did not take action, he reserved the right to reveal their
names, Nuristani argued.
He acknowledged shortcomings during the April 5 vote but
said all preparations had been finalised for holding the June
14 runoff election in a free and fair manner.
Page 11
Pajhwok Afghan News
IEC Secretary Ziaul Haq Amarkhel said his department
was committed to preventing a recurrence of the problems
seen in the first round.
Women, he said, could play a highly significant role in
electing a new president. Despite multiple challenges
during the first round, 36 percent of them voted.
“This commission is ready to provide all available
facilities to women they need. Services of women staff
will be hired at polling sites for females,” he concluded.
http://www.pajhwok.com/en/2014/05/27/iec-wants-fraudtainted-officials-fired
Amarkhel spurns Mohaqiq’s allegation
By Mohammad Hassan Hakimi May 27, 2014 - 17:02
KABUL (Pajhwok): The Independent Election
Commission (IEC) secretary on Tuesday rejected
Muhammad Mohaqiq’s statement regarding election fraud
as confusing and challenged him to present evidence.
Mohaqiq -- Dr. Abdullah’s choice for 2nd vice-president,
recently claimed the team of reforms and unanimity was
an outright winner in the April 5 polls, but the IEC
intentionally pushed the vote to the second round.
Also a former parliamentarian, Mohaqiq said: “IEC
Secretary Ziaul Haq has the ultimate power and whatever
he wants, he can do.”
But Amarkhel rejected the allegations, explaining that
IEC employees performed their duties within the
framework of clearly-defined rules and regulations.
He asked Mohaqiq to present evidence in support of his
allegations, and not to make baseless claims that fuelled
confusion.
http://www.pajhwok.com/en/2014/05/27/amarkhel-spurns
-mohaqiq%E2%80%99s-allegation
Page 12

Pajhwok Afghan News (PAN)

Transcription

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