KABUL - The Independent Election Commission (IEC) on Friday said that the presidential candidates had committed to endorse the electoral procedures and decisions prior to the elections; hence they cannot boycott the elections now.

Despite rising tensions between presidential candidate Abdullah Abdullah and the electoral commissions, the IEC Spokesman Noor Mohammad Noor stated that the commission will proceed with the election process on the basis of the election timeline and the supervision of the civil society institutions as well as domestic and international observers.

IEC's statements came after Dr. Abdullah accused the commission of fraud and partiality in the election process. He demanded that the Chief of IEC Secretariat Zia-ul-Haq Amarkhail be suspended as the Kabul Chief of Police Gen. Zahir Zahir accused him of illegal transfer of election materials without the escort of police.

In response to Dr. Abdullah’s allegations, IEC stated that no evidence has been presented to prove Amarkhail's involvement in fraud.

 “Both candidates must abide by the mechanisms, procedures and principles of the election commission,” Noor said. "There will not be any sort of crisis and candidates realize this. We want people to give us time so that we can announce the partial results."

Noor emphasized that the international community has offered full support to the Afghan elections and IEC procedures. He added that the IEC intends to discuss the candidates’ concerns and negotiate the disagreements. (Tolonews)