GARDEZ (Pajhwok): One presidential runner’s campaign manager in southeastern Paktia province on Tuesday accused local officials of meddling and ballot-stuffing in favour of a specific candidate.
Gul Padshah Majidi, in charge of Dr. Ashraf Ghani Ahmadzai’s campaign in Paktia, told journalists an official of the governor’s office had forced election workers into ballot-stuffing.
He alleged police chiefs of some districts had violated the election law. In utter disregard of their duty, the local authorities connived at election law violations, he claimed.
“About 200,000 people participated in the ballot as we counted the votes at the end of the polling day. But right now, officials put the figures at 300,000, which is a clear-cut instance of fraud,” he explained.
Up to 300,000 votes were cast in Saturday’s polls, said the Paktia election commission head, Rahmatullah Haqmal. He acknowledged some local officials had tried to meddle in the process but his staff did not allow anyone to use unfair means. 
Police chief, Brig. Gen. Zalmai Oryakhel, also denied interference by security officials in the polls. Complaints should be supported by authentic proofs, he argued, adding the official found guilty would be sacked.
Deputy Governor Abdul Wali Sahi also refuted the allegation of interference. While refusing to rule out small-scale rigging in districts, he said there was no flagrant fraud that could affect the result.  
The deputy governor said those alleging election law violations should submit their complaints to the Independent Electoral Complaint Commission (IECC) along with proofs.  
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