In today’s news: UK transfers responsibility for Sangin district, Helmand, to the US Marines. Defense officials tell the WSJ they don’t expect dramatic signs of progress before December. Helicopter crash reported in southern Afghanistan. Pres. Karzai says it’s “too early to judge” success of the election. ECC reports approximately 700 election complaints filed as of Sunday.
In today's local news: 45 voters and poll workers arrested for fraud; others kidnapped in Badghis; Kabul counting center raided; Karzai declares poll a success; Abdullah questions transparency; candidates and voters in Kunduz, Kandahar and Bamiyan air grievances.
45 Poll Workers, Voters Arrested for Electoral Fraud
In today’s news: IEC says it has received tallies of nearly 4 million votes cast, with 22 provinces having completed counting at local levels. New NATO figures report 485 violent incidents on Election Day; IEC confirms that three kidnapped workers in Balkh were found dead yesterday. ECC says it has received 126 written complaints and 1,300 verbally. US administration continues to reassess its anti-corruption efforts.
In today's local news: counting continues amid claims of fraud; alleged ballot-stuffers arrested in Logar; bodies of kidnapped IEC workers found; Kabul candidate accused of interfering in count;
In today’s news: Afghan voters went to the polls yesterday to elect the 2010 Wolesi Jirga; the IEC reports partial preliminary figures of about 3.6 million votes cast in yesterday’s elections. Security incidents are reported around the country but officials say violence was less than during last year’s presidential election. Complaints have been filed about the quality of indelible ink and arrests were made on voters carrying multiple registration cards but UNAMA head says no evidence of “massive fraud”. Obama administration official tells the Post that the December strategy review will not result in major changes in policy. Central Bank regulators ignored repeated warnings about Kabul Bank, NYT reports.
In today’s news: Afghan voters go to the polls. A rocket attack has been reported in Kabul and some attacks on polling centers in Herat, Ghazni, and Badakshan. Pres. Karzai cast his vote and calls on Afghans to turn out despite acknowledging that there will be problems. The Taliban reportedly kidnapped two candidates and 18 polling center and campaign workers Friday.
In today's local news: Karzai urges Afghans to vote; two candidates and 18 election and campaign workers kidnapped in three provinces; hospitals on election standby; 52,000 police dispatched; IEC worker beaten in Helmand; night letters in Balkh.
In today’s news: officials prepare for voting tomorrow amid worries about security and low turnout. Some candidates and voters allege disenfranchisement from closing of polling centers in their areas. The Taliban issue a new statement calling on Afghans to boycott the vote. Afghan police and military officials say they are prepared to secure the vote. Karzai reportedly discusses composition of high council for peace talks during visit with Pakistani leaders. At least one protester killed in Uruzgan outside NATO base.
In today's local news: the Taliban urge a boycott of the elections; security forces in Samangan and Sar-e Pul say they are prepared; NATO assists airdropping of election materials; Takhar candidate injured in car crash.
In today’s news: The campaign period has ended for Afghanistan elections and preparations are underway for the vote on Saturday. The UN has evacuated about a third of its permanent international workforce and much of its staff will be on lockdown for the election day, The Guardian reports. A large protest in Kabul against cancelled Quran-burnings turned violent with over 35 police officers and a dozen civilians reportedly wounded. The WSJ reports on the latest incarnation of local defense militias. Pres. Karzai visited Pakistan where he met with Pres. Zardari and pledged cooperation between the two countries.
