JALALABAD - Civil society and youth representatives in eastern Nangarhar province on Saturday urged the authorities to put in place tight security measures for a likely runoff between two top-rated presidential candidates.

The call was echoed at a gathering attended by dozens of youth and local security officials in Jalalabad, the provincial capital.

Speaking on behalf of the youth, Syed Agha Arab said they had decided to encourage more people into participating in the election by launching an awareness campaign.

“Afghanistan’s future is very important to us. That is why we are gathered here to underline the turnout should be higher than the first round election,” he stressed.

A civil society activist, Haji Omar, called on the electoral bodies to demonstrate neutrality in evaluation of complaints and counting of votes. 

He added nobody reserved the right to play with the country’s future and a runoff if needed should be held transparently.

“We are ready to help our security forces maintain security in the second round,” he assured. 

Deputy Governor Muhammad Hanif Gardiwal assured that security forces were fully prepared to secure the runoff vote the way they did on April 5.

Gen. Dadan Lawang, the commander of 201st Selab Military Corps fourth brigade, said the troops had the ability to provide tight security for the second round polls.

He told Pajhwok Afghan News: “We are serving the soil and keeping its security is our national obligation.” (Pajhwok)