Washington: In an effort to ensure free,
fair and secure Presidential elections in Afghanistan, the
NATO countries would deploy 8,000 to 10,000 additional
security personnel besides sending 8,000 observers to the
war-torn country.
"NATO countries will provide 8,000 to 10,000
additional troops to allow Afghans to vote securely," Afghan
Ambassador to the US Said T Jawad said.
Security will be put in place in three rings, with
Afghan National Police in the first ring closest to the
polling place, Afghan National Army officers manning a second
ring and US and NATO troops in a third, outer ring, he said.
The Afghan government has assigned two security guards
to protect each presidential candidate. In all 41 candidates
are vying for the presidency, while 82 candidates are
contesting the vice-presidency, elections to which are
scheduled for August 20.
"Our first Presidential election was historic, but
this election will mark the continued maturity and growth of
Afghanistan's pluralistic political system," Jawad said.
"Despite security and logistical challenges,
Afghanistan's Independent Election Commission (IEC), the
Afghan government and the international community are taking
all the necessary steps to ensure that the will of the
people can be expressed through the ballot box on August 20,"
he said.
Bureau Report
First Published: Friday, July 24, 2009, 13:24