KABUL - Asking candidates to adhere to electoral rules during the campaign, the Independent Election Commission (IEC) on Wednesday warned against any attempt at rigging the April vote.

The IEC said all runners should strictly follow the prescribed rules and highlight their manifestos and programs to the masses within the ambit of those laws.

The electoral body also said candidates should not think they would be able to bribe or pressurize election workers into accepting their illegal demands.

IEC Secretary Ziaul Haq Amarkhel told a press conference the commission was fully poised to conduct the presidential and provincial council election in a transparent atmosphere.

He reassured the people that every necessary measure had been put in place to prevent rigging and ensure transparency.

“For the sake of transparency, we will introduce two types of indelible inks for the first time. We have evolved systems on how to prevent the misuse of election materials,” he said.

Amarkhel said the IEC would continue to update the masses about the elections in order they had trust in the process.

He asked candidates to avoid illegal means for obtaining votes and should not expect they would be able to rig the vote.

“Our demand is that candidates should carry forward their campaigns in a legal manner. They should tell the masses about their programs and plans, instead of going after election workers to influence them.”

The official warned fraudulent votes would be nullified and candidates involved referred to the judicial organs.

Civil society and the people should cooperate with the IEC in its efforts at ensuring a fair vote, he said.

He called on the people to standby the election process, saying every Afghan had the right to play the role of an observer to realize his vote did not go to waste.

The election commission, if faced with any pressure, would approach the masses for assistance, Amarkhel declared.

He hoped government officials abiding by presidential decrees would stay neutral during the elections.

Amarkhel said government officials if found guilty of meddling in the elections should be punished in order to set an example.

President Hamid Karzai has asked government officials not to interfere in the elections and has repeatedly vowed his own neutrality.

Commenting on the fraud-hit 2009 elections, Amarkhel said the real problem had been a lack of observers.

However, he said this time around, the election commission had completed all required arrangements.

According to IEC spokesman Noor Mohammad Noor, so far 170 organisations have been registered to monitor the election process.

About 300,000 local and foreign observers are expected to monitor the April 5 elections. (Pajhwok)