ZARANJ (Pajhwok): Some provincial council candidates on Thursday said 20 polling stations were under high security threat in southwestern Nimroz province.
One candidate Ahmad Omid told Pajhwok Afghan News two polling sites in Firozi and Gach Star areas and some other in Dilaram and Khashrod districts were under high security threat.
A little more than a week to go before the elections, the polling stations were remained shut, he said, expressing concern that many people might be deprived of their right to vote.
Provincial council deputy head, Mohammad Nader Baloch, said newly-established polling sites were located in Taliban-dominated areas.
A regional Independent Election Commission (IEC) official, who wished not be named, said 15 polling sites were under high security threat in Nimroz, but authorities had promised to ensure security for them.
An influential resident of Sistan area of Zaranj said at least one polling site had been opened in their locality in previous elections, “but there is none this time around”.
“We have repeatedly shared the issue with the officials concerned, but they said the government has decided against establishing a voting center in Sistan,” Mohammad Zaman added.
Provincial police chief, Mohammad Qasim Jangal Bagh, said only 15 polling sites in the province were under high security threat. Security for four sites in Khashrod area was recently ensured, he claimed.
He said that four other polling sites in Khashrod and seven in Dilaram district would be also protected during an upcoming operation.
mds/mud