KABUL - The Independent Electoral Complaint Commission (IECC) on Tuesday asked the United Nations to extend its help to verify the fraud-related audio clips recently released by the presidential candidate Abdullah Abdullah, an official said on Tuesday.

Last week, Abdullah’s camp released an audio clip, claiming the Independent Election Commission (IEC) ex-secretary, Zia-ul-Haq Amarkhel paved way for rigging in favor of his rival candidate Ashraf Ghani Ahmadzai during the runoff presidential election.

The allegations led Amarkhel to tender resignation from his position after vehemently dismissing the allegations leveled by Abdullah.

IECC Spokesperson Nadir Mohsini said today that investigations were underway in connection to the audio clips. He told journalists: “Today, we will send a letter to UN to provide us technical cooperation to verify the authenticity of audio clip.”

Replying to a question, the IECC spokesman expressed respect for both the candidates and commitment to ensure transparency, justice and preserve the legal rights of both the candidates.

Mohsini urged Abdullah Abdullah and Ashraf Ghani to respect the law and avoid criticizing the credibility of the electoral process.

So far, the electoral body has recorded 117 objections and both candidates could appeal against the decisions by their offices in respected provinces, he remarked.

The IECC spokesperson said: “We are ready to record complaints as initial results will be announced tomorrow by the IEC.” (Pajhwok)