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Key Security Officials Assure Karzai of Secure Elections

Key Security Officials Assure Karzai of Secure Elections

KABUL - Afghan National Police (ANP) Commanders on Monday assured President Hamid Karzai that security would be set for the Presidential and Provincial Council elections in April, despite concerns recently that militant activities have picked-up and will continue to as April nears.

Ministry of Interior (MoI) spokesman Sediq Sediqi confirmed that anti-government insurgents would be doing all they could to disrupt the elections, which come at a pivotal time as Karzai steps down and the NATO troops withdraw. However, he expressed confidence that the Afghan security forces were ready to meet the challenge.

The gathering of security officials was held in Kabul over the weekend, and was convened by Karzai.

"It was an important meeting, the police commanders met with the President and the Minister of Interior," Sediqi said. "The President wanted to hear about the threats, he wanted to be confident about the security of the elections so that the polling is conducted in accordance to the will of the people."

NATO officials were also said to have participated in the meeting. Minister of Interior Mohammad Umar Daudzai said that he will seek cooperation from NATO for ensuring the safe transfer of election materials - such as ballots - to the polling centers around the country. He said further support would be requested as needed.

On Saturday, in a meeting with police commanders and International Security Assistance Force (ISAF) personnel, Daudzai said that less than 800 out of 6,845 total polling centers faced security threats.

Last week, an updated security report delivered to the Independent Election Commission (IEC) said that over 90 percent of polling centers would be open on election day. Officials of the IEC have called on security institutions to help bolster public confidence in the security of the upcoming elections.

In the report, security officials said only 414 of 6,845 total polling stations nationwide were under serious security threat.

One of the biggest fears heading into April is that insecurity around the country could keep voters from turning up to the polls or open the door to manipulation and fraud. (Tolonews)