Afghan Election Complaints Commission Warns Of Fraud

The leading candidates have all complained of fraud in the April 5 vote, which is meant to usher in Afghanistan's first democratic transfer of power.

Abdul Satar Sadaat photo: elections.pajhwok.com

(KABUL Radio Free Europe) - The head of Afghanistan’s Independent Election Complaints Commission says last week's presidential vote may have suffered a significant degree of fraud.

Abdul Satar Sadaat told a news conference in Kabul on April 9: "I want to say election fraud did take place and it might not have been a small amount."

The commission reported on April 8 that more than 3,000 complaints of violations, with more expected as ballot boxes arrive from the provinces.

The leading candidates have all complained of fraud in the April 5 vote, which is meant to usher in Afghanistan's first democratic transfer of power.

The body organizing the election said it would begin publishing results from the provinces on April 12.

Full preliminary results are scheduled to be announced on April 24.

Based on reporting by Reuters and dpa

KABUL Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty