KABUL - The Young Activists for Reform and Change (YARC), an amalgam of 35 organizations and civil society groups, on Saturday accused the government of interfering in the election process.

YARC member Ihsanullah Hekmat Ahmadzai alleged at a news conference in Kabul that President Hamid Karzai had been partial, supporting one particular candidate.

He claimed government funds and machinery were being used to support Zalmai Rassoul, one of the 11 presidential runners. “A systematic reshuffle of senior officials has been ongoing to pave the ground for interference in the polls.”

The activist claimed some elders and parliamentarians had directly and indirectly suggested to Karzai to back Rassoul. He said YARC, which has 300,000 members, was deeply concerned over the issue.

Election campaign for the April vote is due to begin today (Sunday). Karzai has repeatedly asserted his neutrality, asking all government departments to refrain from campaigning for or against any contender.

Earlier, his spokesman Aimal Faizi told Pajhwok Afghan News Karzai had no intention to swing behind any specific candidate or encourage people to support any of the 11 runners.

YARC members also claimed foreigners had supporters in the government and they could disrupt the election process.

On the Bilateral Security Agreement (BSA), YARC member Abdul Musawir said the accord was crucial for training of Afghan forces as well as bringing about economic prosperity. He asked government to sign the deal as soon as possible.

Other YARC members agreed with Karzai’s precondition that foreign troops should stop conducing raids on civilian homes, saying the job should be performed only by Afghan forces. (Pajhwok)