KABUL - The Ministry of Interior (MoI) on Friday said that the presidential candidates must harmonize their election campaigns with the security institutions, informing them 48 hours before traveling to provinces.

MoI stated that additional security personnel have been deployed in the provinces to ensure the candidates' security. MoI claims that despite asking the candidates for the names of key actors in their campaigns, none have obliged.

"We strongly urge the election campaigns to harmonize their activities with the police," MoI Spokesman Sediq Sediqi said. "It is important for us to know about their trips to provinces in order to ensure their security."

Meanwhile, in his weekly radio speech to the nation, Afghan President Hamid Karzai asserted that the election campaigns must lead to national consolidation. President Karzai warned the government officials about meddling in the electoral process or using government resources in favor of or against any particular candidate.

"I hope that the election campaigns are opportunities to further boost cooperation and national solidarity as well as strengthen our national unity," President Karzai said. "Holding credible elections has direct links to public cooperation."

The election campaigns officially instigated on Feb. 2 and would continue for two months. Insecurity remains one of the major issues before the election. (Tolonews)