KABUL - The United Nations on Tuesday described security problems as a major obstacle to the election process, urging the electoral bodies to conduct the ballot in a manner acceptable to all candidates.

Jan Kubis, the UN secretary general’s special representative for Afghanistan, said the country was set to hold presidential and provincial council elections but challenges could not be ruled out.

Speaking at the Independent Electoral Complaints Commission (ECC) provincial commissioners’ oath-taking ceremony in Kabul, he said the watchdog was successfully discharging its constitutional duties.

Election-related activities were being carried out by the Afghans independently, without foreign interference, he said. It was a matter of pride that the process was being taken forward by the Afghans themselves, Kubis added.

“The responsibility of the international community is that it supports Afghans in the upcoming polls,” the UN said, stressing the need for close coordination between the two election commissions.

It was imperative for the two independent bodies to assist each other in resolving issues. “IEC should ensure transparent elections in a way that its results are acceptable to winners and losers.”

Insecurity was the main problem before, he explained, asking all security agencies to forge close coordination and support the electoral bodies.

He lauded the performance of security forces in adopting strict measures for the protection of polling stations and employees of election commissions. (Pajhwok)