Afghans poised for presidential poll

Published April 4, 2014
Outgoing president Hamid Karzai urges all Afghans to vote in April 5 election. - Video by Reuters

Afghans are expecting trouble when voting gets underway in Saturday's presidential elections.

The Taliban's pledged to disrupt the polls through a campaign of bombings and killings.

Outgoing President Hamid Karzai is urging the nation to respond to the threat by making sure they turn out to vote.

Security's been beefed up in the capital on the eve of the election.

A day earlier ballot boxes started arriving at polling stations around the country.

There are nearly 28, 500 polling centres.

At least ten per cent are expected to be closed because of security threats.

The vote will be monitored by around 200, 000 Afghan observers but , again, security fears are likely make their spread across the country uneven.

Opinion

Editorial

Kurram atrocity
Updated 22 Nov, 2024

Kurram atrocity

It would be a monumental mistake for the state to continue ignoring the violence in Kurram.
Persistent grip
22 Nov, 2024

Persistent grip

An audit of polio funds at federal and provincial levels is sorely needed, with obstacles hindering eradication efforts targeted.
Green transport
22 Nov, 2024

Green transport

THE government has taken a commendable step by announcing a New Energy Vehicle policy aiming to ensure that by 2030,...
Military option
Updated 21 Nov, 2024

Military option

While restoring peace is essential, addressing Balochistan’s socioeconomic deprivation is equally important.
HIV/AIDS disaster
21 Nov, 2024

HIV/AIDS disaster

A TORTUROUS sense of déjà vu is attached to the latest health fiasco at Multan’s Nishtar Hospital. The largest...
Dubious pardon
21 Nov, 2024

Dubious pardon

IT is disturbing how a crime as grave as custodial death has culminated in an out-of-court ‘settlement’. The...