MAZAR-I-SHARIF - The governor of northern Balkh province on Friday warned of a grave political crisis if next month’s presidential and provincial elections were rigged.

Speaking at Hazrat Ali (RA) mausoleum in this northern city, Atta Mohammad Noor believed that President Hamid Karzai was doing his bit to conduct the polls in a transparent manner.

All people and government officials should try their best to ensure fair elections, which guaranteed the country’s long-term development and prosperity, the governor stressed.

Fraud in the April 5 vote would trigger a crisis situation that would be difficult to deal with, warned Noor, who is known for opposition to the incumbent president.

He welcomed people to the Nawroz flag-hoisting ceremony, which was attended by thousands of individuals from different parts of the country, including senior government officials.

Minister of Information and Culture Syed Makhdoom Raheen and foreign dignitaries were among the attendees.

The governor referred to the development projects, such as girl schools, health clinics and roads, an airport terminal, a railroad and a 600-bed hospital, executed across the province last year. (Pajhwok)