MAZAR-E-SHARIF - Officials of the Independent Election Commission (IEC) on Tuesday alleged local warlords backed by some security officials have beaten up its staff in northern Balkh province.

The IEC officials said former local commanders and administrative chief of Zari district were interfering in the process of hiring the IEC staff.

IEC Director Izatullah Arman told Pajhwok Afghan News Abdul Rahim and Alludin, former local commanders, severely beaten up two IEC employees in Kashindi district the other day.

The commanders wanted hiring the staff of their choice, he said, adding that security officials were only held out assurances to bring the responsible to justice.

Brig. Gen. Abdul Razaq Qaderi, provincial chief of National Directorate of Security (NDS), said no one would be allowed to disrupt the poll process in the province.

A high-level meeting was held with the participation of all security officials to pave way for smooth election in the province, he added. (Pajhwok)