PAN, February 5, 2014

32 polling stations closed in Afghan province due to growing insecurity

At least 32 polling stations have been closed in central Sar-i-Pul province due to growing insecurity and continuous threats from militants

By ‌Zabihullah Ihsas

At least 32 polling stations have been closed in central Sar-i-Pul province due to growing insecurity and continuous threats from militants, a top security official said on Thursday.

Col. Ghulam Sakhi Haidari told Pajhwok Afghan News that a total of 143 polling stations were active in the province but 32 had been shut in Shiram, Kohistanat, Sayad, Sancharak and Sozma Qila areas.

Haji Abdur Rahman Farid, provincial head for the Independent Election Commission, said protecting polling stations was security forces’ responsibility.

He added the ongoing snowfall and cold weather had slowed down campaign activities in the province. According to him, 77,533 individuals had obtained voter registration cards so far.

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