[KhaamaPress] The Independent Election Commission (IEC) announced later tonight that more than 1.051 million voters cast their votes in over 2.5 thousand polling stations across the country in today’s presidential elections.The IEC officials told news hounds that they have received the results of 2,597 polling stations out of 4,942 polling stations from across Afghanistan.
The officials further added that the information received by IEC indicate that 1,051,998 voters cast their votes in more than 2,590 polling stations.
Voting for presidential elections kicked off at around 7 am local time in Afghanistan on Saturday and continued until 5 pm.
The officials had earlier reported around 9.6 million have registered their names for the presidential elections.
No Major Challenge Reported As Polling Continues: IEC
[ToloNews] The Independent Election Commission (IEC) on Saturday said that they are currently not experiencing the challenges they faced in last year’s parliamentary elections.
"So far we have not faced the challenges we had in the parliamentary elections. We urge the people of Afghanistan to cast their votes and decide their fate. This is a fight for democracy." said Mirza Mohammad Haqparast, front man for the IEC.
"Sensitive material was delivered to all 34 provinces. Backup devices and technical experts are available to deal with any possible problem," he said.
Haqparast stated that around 137, 000 observers are observing the election process across the country, and asks for everyone involved in the process to keep their impartiality and stand alongside the people of Afghanistan.
Tolonews journalists have reported several incidents of technical problems with biometric devices (although backup plans were in place) as well as complaints by voters who participated in the last parliamentary elections but who are no longer on the registered voter list.
75% of polling stations are open across Afghanistan, says IEC Chief
[KhaamaPress] The Chairperson of the Independent Election Commission Hawa Alam Nuristani has said 75% of the polling stations are open across the country where the voters can cast their votes.
Speaking during a presser this afternoon, Nuristani said 75% or 4041 polling stations which are open across the country.
She also added that 481 polling stations remain closed across the country but emphasized that all the processes are going forward in a good manner.
The voting process is underway in various parts of the country amid tight security and reports of irregularities in various sites, including irregular lists of voters, malfunctioning of biometrics system.
Reports have also emerged from some parts of the country including Kabul, Kandahar, Nangarhar, Kunar and some other areas suggesting that small security related incidents have taken.
| An Nahar has more here. |