GARDEZ (Pajhwok): The Independent Election Commission (IEC)’s regional office on Tuesday declared 78 polling stations as high-rink areas in southeastern Paktia province.
The commission officials said there were a total of 199 polling stations in Paktia and 78 of them faced high security threats and 36 middle security threats.
Khwaja Aminullah Fazali, the IEC head for Paktia province, told Pajhwok Afghan News all sensitive and non-sensitive electoral materials had been dispatched to districts. He said security officials had assured them about security on the Election Day.
No one appeared to register as voters in five polling sites and among 194 polling stations 85 faced normal security threats, 78 high security risks and 36 others medium.
However, public representatives and people said security was main issue and if the security was not ensured, transparent elections were not possible.
 Provincial council head Abdul Malik Zazai urged people to talk with armed opponents in their own areas and convince them not to prevent people from casting their votes.
He said some candidates had created artificial insecurity in some areas and urged security officials to take measures in this regard.
Hazrat Mohammad Kochi, a resident of Ahmad Abad district, urged security frces to ensure security of people on the Election Day. Kochi said insecurity could bring under question transparency of election.
Meanwhile, Governor Shamim Khan Katawazi said they had devised a plan for areas where security threats could be felt.
He said all district roads were open and through a managed plan electoral materials would reach districts before the election day.