JALALABAD (Pajhwok): The governor said on Thursday people would not be able to cast their votes at 18 of the total 72 polling stations designated in eastern Nuristan province due to escalating insecurity.
Mohammad Tamim Nuristani told Pajhwok Afghan News some polling stations in a number of districts would remain closed on the election day (April 5).
He said the 18 polling stations were located in Kamdish, Barg-i-Matal and Want Waigal districts. “I have also shared the issue with ISAF representatives in Nuristan a day earlier.”
The governor said the government would not be able to ensure security for these stations within available resources, saying insecurity and delay in transfer of electoral materials contributing to their concerns.
According to Nuristani, ISAF representatives had promised him they would airlift electoral materials to areas he wanted.
“I can assure there will be transparent polling in 55 stations, but 18 stations will stay closed,” said Nuristani, who called Nuristan a mountainous province, which is home to rebel sanctuaries.
Provincial Independent Election Commission (IEC) head Izatullah acknowledged voting was unlikely in some parts of the province.
“Insecurity in some parts will put a question mark on the vote’s credibility,” he added.
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