QALA-I-NAW (Pajhwok): The turnout in the runoff election was lower than the first round due to security problems in western Badghis province, an official said on Saturday.
So far, no fraud-related complaint has been reported from Badghis, where the voter turnout was dismally low in some parts.
Zmarai, a resident of Maqur district, said armed rebels were active in Komri and Andri areas on the Election Day.
He told Pajhwok Afghan News though the move raised concerns among the locals. But voting centres were opened before voters. But the number of voters was not comparable with the first round turnout.
Abdul Majid from Bala Murghab district said several attacks were conducted before noon in Joikar area. Many attempted attacks were foiled at noon and voters visited polling centres. But their number was less than expected.
A dweller of Qala-i-Naw, the provincial capital, Abdur Rahman, said he had voted at a polling station in Hanzala High School where, the number of voters was higher than the first round.
Provincial IEC chief, Abdur Rahman Mohabat also said there were no fraud reports and the voting process ended without any technical problems.
Without giving details, he said some security threats were worrying but generally the process had been smooth.
Badghis police chief Lt Col Mohammad Qayyum Angar said the presence of militants in Bala Murghab and Maqur districts was a concern but they did not disrupt the election process.
He added that five militants were killed and three others injured during a clash with Afghan forces in Kari-i-Haji Nazar village of Qadis district.
But Taliban claimed attacking polling stations and destroying one of them Bala Murghab. Several polling centers were stormed in Maqur district, they said.
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