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| Abdullah shoved Afghan government to dismiss IEC |
| Warta |
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WASPADA ONLINE KABUL - Abdullah Abdullah, Karzai's rival in Afghanistan general election, insisted the government to deactivate so-called Independent Election Commission (IEC), Azizullah Ludin, for the reason that it performed bias, incompetence and widespread corruption. The former foreign minister also called for the suspension of three key government ministers during the election period, and the closing down of around 500 polling stations in areas that are too insecure to be monitored properly by election observers. One diplomat described the proposal to the Guardian thatAfghan security chiefs including the heads of the army and intelligence service, have laid out a plan which would increase the number of polling centres. Under the plan 6,605 polling stations would open, despite the near impossibility of arranging for election materials to be sent to so many extra centres in time for the 7 November vote. General Zahir Azimi, a spokesman for the Afghan defence ministry, confirmed they were looking at security conditions in Herat, Farah, Baghlan and Helmand province, where additional polling stations could be opened, but said the final decision would rest with the IEC. Abdullah also demanded that the ministers of the interior, education and tribal affairs be suspended during the election period to prevent them allegedly using their offices for campaigning purposes. Besides, he also wants a campaign observer to be present at all IEC board meetings. On the contrary, Karzai rejected Abdullah's demands. "Ministers and officials which Abdullah wants sacked or replaced have not done anything illegal, that is why we cannot sack or replace them," the incumbent president said in a statement here Tuesday (Oct. 27). "In this short period of time, we cannot make these changes – this will not be for the benefit of the country and will also harm the country." (wol22/gua) |
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