KABUL (PAN): Afghanistan's Independent Election Commission (AIEC) announced on Thursday that 350 bundles of ballot papers and other election materials had been transferred to provinces.

AIEC Secretary Daud Ali Najafi told a press conference here that a total of 900 bundles containing 36 million ballot papers had been printed. Tents, desks, booths and polling boxes have also been shifted to provinces.

Similar transfers to the central zone were in progress, the official said, adding 34000 plastic desks, 58,000 chairs and 88572 booths had been shifted to the provinces hitherto.

To the question how the AIEC would finance a run-off election if none of the candidates won the 50-plus-one vote, he said a budget for the second phase had already been decided.

Financed by the UNDP, the ballot papers were printed in London and the first lot arrived inKabul on July 10. Najafi said the transfer of ballot papers to the provinces would be completed by the 21st of July.

 About election campaign expenses, Najafi said none of the candidates could receive money from foreign countries and the contributions from businessmen should be transparent.

The candidates must report their expenses every fortnight to IEC. Najafi expressed satisfaction with the voter registration process. Even in volatile districts such as Khanshin, which is under the control of Taliban, the registration drive is underway.