KABUL - President Hamid Karzai on Sunday directed all government officials not to interfere in Independent Election Commission (’IEC) affairs and maintain impartiality in the poll process.

In a decree from the Office of Administrative Affairs, the president warned government servants meddling in the electoral process would be referred to judicial departments.

All departments were asked to cooperate with the election commission to better conduct the democratic exercise, scheduled for April 2014. Officials were directed not to force voters to name the candidates they supported.

The decree said people should be helped to vote directly and secretly for candidates of their choice. Karzai also cautioned against the use of government resources for or against any specific candidate or party.

He asked government employees not to refer people to the IEC for appointment as election workers, refrain from offering any kind of gifts to commission staff and avoid entry into registration and voting centers.

Directed not to take weapons inside the centers, government servants were reminded to stay aloof from campaign rallies during official timings. They were also instructed not to accept invitations from candidates to opening ceremonies for projects.

The decree said government employees should keep secret IEC information from all candidates and political parties. “Officials violating the decree will be referred to judicial departments for investigation.” (Pajhwok)