MAZAR-I-SHARIF (Pajhwok): In addition to the Taliban, other elements may also try to disrupt the election process in northern Balkh province, an official warned on Wednesday.  
In an exclusive interview with Pajhwok Afghan News, Independent Election Commission (IEC) office head for Balkh, Izzatullah Arman, said so far poll-related activities had been conducted successfully.
Transfer of election materials to districts was launched today. The panel will build warehouses, guarded by security forces, for storing poll materials in districts. 
He called Balkh security satisfactory, refusing to rule out disruptive activities over the next few days. “Armed rebels are planning to sabotage the process, but so far they have failed.”
Arman said little known groups, besides the Taliban, could also make attempts at sabotaging the landmark vote. But he gave no further details.
Deputy police chief, Col. Abdul Razzaq Qadiri, hoped they would be able to cope with any challenge and would not allow anyone to create hurdles.
Except six election sites facing high threats, the remaining sites were secure, he added.  The police official vowed to prevent militants in their tracks.
There are 319 polling stations and 1,002 centres in Balkh. Of them six sites remain under high security threats. So far, 247,000 people have obtained voter cards across the province.
mm/mud