SHARAN (Pajhwok): Local officials in southeastern Paktika province said on Wednesday they were fully ready if the election headed for the second round.
In an exclusive interview with Pajhwok Afghan News, Paktika police chief, Maj. Gen. Nabi Jan Mulakhel, said the April, 5 presidential and provincial council polls were held in a peaceful environment in Paktika, with all polling centres opened.  
Afghan forces played leading role to ensure security on Election Day, but the role of Afghan Local Police (ALP) was of great importance and commendable, he added.  
Mulakhel said security was excellent which was followed by massive turnout in Sharan City, including all districts because of the deployment of local police force.
“Local police are deployed to almost all districts excluding Gomal, Gayan, Zherok and Yousuf Khel areas,” he added.
They have put in place strict security measures for the elections if the ballot headed for runoff, he informed.  
Muhammad Akram, a resident of Sharan City, said all eligible voters thronged to the polling centres to exercise their vote right during the April, 5 election.
He added due to insecurity in the past polls, people did not participate in the elections.
Bahawal Katawazai, a resident of Yahyakhel district, said residents of his town took active part in the polls.
mm/rm