Addressing a press conference, IEC Secretary Zakaria Barakzai said if any of the candidates or their representatives continued to campaign beyond midnight, it would constitute a violation of the electoral law.
"Candidates and their supporters cannot campaign and media outlets cannot report election-related gatherings and press conferences during the 48 hours before Election Day," he reiterated.
"The two days of silence are meant to let voters think and decide on voting for contenders of their choice," Barakzai argued, urging journalists and candidates to respect the law that was violated in the 2004 presidential polls.
The election campaign officially got under way on June on 16, enabling all nominees to distribute their posters, visit provinces, organise gatherings and participate in televised debates.
During the period, eight candidates were fined failing to submit financial reports to the Election Commission. Muhammad Karim Khalili, President Hamid Karzai's running mate, was also fined for using a chopper of Defence Ministry.
Most of presidential candidates have provided the IEC with their first three financial reports, and legal action has been taken against those who failed to submit the reports.
Barakzai called on presidential candidates to file the fourth financial report of their campaigns with the IEC until 4:00pm on Tuesday in accordance with the law.
The IEC secretary tended to skirt a volley of questions about the polling stations closed in insecure districts of several provinces. However, he assured the commission would try to keep all polling stations open.
As many as 36 candidates are in the run for presidency and 3300 for provincial council seats. Polling will start at 7:00am and end at 4:00pm on Thursday.
frm/mud
