Editor in Chief: Moh. Reza Huwaida Friday, April 26th, 2024

Govt. Lacks Political will to Hold Fair Polls: Abdullah

Govt. Lacks Political  will to Hold Fair Polls: Abdullah

HERAT CITY - Opposition leader Dr. Abdullah Abdullah on Saturday said the Karzai administration lacked political will to hold fair and free presidential elections taking place next year.

The Afghanistan National Front leader told a press conference in western Herat province the government had no intention to ensure transparent elections, claiming some candidates used government machinery for their political campaigns.

"The presidential elections are becoming closer, but the government is doing nothing to ensure security and other technical facilities in this regard," he told reporters in Herat City.

Abdullah said not issuing computerized identity cards was another problem, the government had been able to address so far. He said the use of old voter cards would negatively affect the forthcoming elections. He also said it was necessary to mention tribes in ID cards.

He said though security would not be satisfactory due to negligence on the part of the government, yet the Taliban would not be able to prevent people from casting their votes.

To a question, the former foreign minister criticized the peace process, saying the government had practically done nothing to make it a success.

He said nothing about his own candidacy in the presidential polls, but said his party had entered talks with other political parties on the elections. (Pajhwok)