KABUL - The Presidential Palace on Wednesday welcomed the dates announced by the Independent Election Commission (IEC) for the next presidential and provincial council elections.

On Wednesday the IEC announced that the presidential and provincial elections were slated for 5th April, 2014.

IEC commissioner Fazl Ahmad Manawi told reporters the presidential election results would be announced on 14th May 2014, while the outcome of the provincial council polls would be declared on 7th June 2014.

During an exclusive interview with Pajhwok Afghan News, presidential spokesman Aimal Faizi welcomed IEC's timetable for the forthcoming polls.

"The government is trying to conduct free, fair and transparent elections in the country and people can elect the next president according to their own choice," he said, adding that President Hamid Karzai always insisted on free and fair elections.

On a query that the harsh winter could prevent people from casting their votes, Faizi, replied: "I think the cold weather will not deprive people from casting their ballots." "Militants cut people's ears and noses during past elections, but yet voters went to the ballot boxes. I think if people favored a candidate of their choice, they will cast their vote in any condition," he said.

If none of the presidential candidate received more than 50 percent of the vote, a run-off election (second round) would be held on 22nd May, 2014, said Manawi. (Pajhwok)