Militant threats force closure of polling centers in Faryab, Afghanistan

MAIMANA (PAN): Two polling stations could not be opened in Qaisar district of northern Faryab province due to insurgent threats.

One polling station in Khwaja Kinti and another in Kahf village of the district stayed closed as a result of insurgents threats to attack officials and voters.

Amanullah Aman, head of the Independent Election Commission (IEC) in the province, confirmed closure of the stations.

He claimed arrangements had been made to ensure voting in the stations. However, he added alternative polling facilities would be provided to the voters elsewhere in the district.

“If a polling station is closed for some reason, we will immediately open an alternative facility,” he promised, saying the Taliban fighters were unable to undermine the voting process in Faryab.