HERAT CITY - Independent Election Commission (IEC) officials say around 96 polling stations in western Herat province would stay shut on the upcoming presidential Election Day due to security problems.
Recently media reports said presidential polls would not take place at 162 polling stations in Herat province, but the IEC chief for Herat says only 96 polling stations would be shut on the polling day.
IEC head for Herat Dauad Sidiqzadah told Pajhwok Afghan News polling stations were located in Shindad, Kushk, Rabat Sangi, Adaskan, Chishi Sharif, Farsi and Gulran districts of the province.
He said the next month’s presidential election would not be held in Zerkoh and Pushtkoh districts because people there had not registered to vote.
He further said more than 500,000 people were all set to take part in the September 28 presidential election in the province.
Governor Abdul Qaium Rahimi assured the Afghan forces would ensure security of polling stations areas to enable people to exercise their right to enfranchise-.
He said they would try their best to facilitate voting in 300 polling stations as they did in the past.
Meanwhile, Herat police chief Aminullah Amarkhel said security forces would ensure security for polling stations.
He said five to 15 security forces would be deployed at each polling station on the Election Day.
Provincial Council members say the participation of Heratis in the previous presidential election proved crucial and vital.
Mohammad Sardar Bahadari, a member of the council, told Pajhwok presidential candidates after taking people’s votes ignore their supporters after reaching the power corridors.
According to the IEC, around 30,600 people have registered themselves to vote in the presidential election. (Pajhwok)