United Nations has warned that security will be the main challenge during next month’s parliamentary elections in Afghanistan and called for extra vigilance to ensure that the polls are safe. UN Special envoy to Afghanistan Staffan de Mistura urged in a statement to ensure that poor security in parts of the country is not used to manipulate the votes of the people. He voiced concern at the widespread intimidation with regard to female candidates, the killing of three candidates and other violence directed against a number of other candidates. Preparations have been under way for the elections, slated to be held on 18 September. The ballot papers arrived in the country last week and campaigning by the large number of candidates has recently stepped up. But several candidates in the south and east have complained that insecurity is hampering their campaign efforts at the same time being a challenge on voting day. Election commission will announce next week how many polling centers it will be able to open on the day of polling. The Election Commission has called upon to ensure adequate security at these centers so as to avoid fraud.

United Nations has warned that security will be the main challenge during next month’s parliamentary elections in Afghanistan and called for extra vigilance to ensure that the polls are safe. UN Special envoy to Afghanistan Staffan de Mistura urged in a statement to ensure that poor security in parts of the country is not used to manipulate the votes of the people. He voiced concern at the widespread intimidation with regard to female candidates, the killing of three candidates and other violence directed against a number of other candidates. Preparations have been under way for the elections, slated to be held on 18 September. The ballot papers arrived in the country last week and campaigning by the large number of candidates has recently stepped up. But several candidates in the south and east have complained that insecurity is hampering their campaign efforts at the same time being a challenge on voting day. Election commission will announce next week how many polling centers it will be able to open on the day of polling. The Election Commission has called upon to ensure adequate security at these centers so as to avoid fraud.