KABUL - The window for registering complaints with the Electoral Complaints Commission (ECC) closed at midnight on Monday. In total, officials said 2,558 complaints were filed, a significant less amount than were registered during the first round in April.

Yet while the number of individual complaints registered with the ECC is less than was the case in the first round, it is important to note that each complaint can range in the scope of fraud or violations it targets. In other words, the amount of individual complaints filed does not necessarily reflect the amount of improprieties reported.

According to ECC spokesman Nader Mohseni said on Tuesday that 991 of the complaints filed involve allegations against the Independent Election Commission (IEC). Back in May, over 5,000 IEC employees ended up being blacklisted due to their involvement in fraud during the first round.

Of the remaining complaints, 664 were reportedly filed against presidential candidate Abdullah Abdullah and 575 against his rival Ashraf Ghani Ahmadzai. Then 507 more were made against government officials.

“From the total number of complaints that were received by the ECC, 1,555 complains were filed at our provincial headquarters and 108 complaints at the central office,” Mohseni said on Tuesday.

The ECC planned to begin the hearing process for the complaints on Tuesday at his headquarters in Kabul as well as its provincial offices. Those who have been charged by the complaints are free to appear a the hearings to defend themselves.

“Our proceedings for the complaints are public, so each candidate would be allowed to defend against each complaint, and the ECC will make all assessments public,” Mohseni said.

The ECC’s Monday deadline will be enforced strictly and no more complaints are to be accepted.

The hearing process is expected to last 10 days, and upon rulings be made, those who object will have 72 hours to appeal to the ECC. (Tolonews)