pajhwok afghan news (pan) weekly election coverage newsletter
TRANSCRIPT
Pajhwok Afghan News (PAN) Weekly Election Coverage Newsletter, Feb.12-18
Page 1
Helmand gatherings back Rassoul, Sayyaf By Shams Jalal Feb 12, 2014 - 19:10
http://www.elections.pajhwok.com/www.vote.af http://www.pajhwok.com
KANDAHAR CITY (Pajhwok): The governor on
Wednesday asked security organs to ensure elections
candidates were provided adequate security during the
electioneering in southern Kandahar province.
Dr. Tooryalai Weesa told the weekly security meeting that
militant activities had been curtailed in Kandahar City, the
provincial capital, and districts as a result of ongoing
security operations.
The governor asked campaigners of candidates and
workers to register with the provincial administration so
that security forces could provide them security.
He also said special attention should be paid to the city’s
cleanliness during the electioneering and posters should
not be displayed in improper places.
At the meeting, Mayor Qazi Mohammad Omar Omar said
his department had identified places for erecting
billboards and pasting posters.
Security high-ups told the meeting operations to suppress
militant activity were underway and a large number of
rebels were killed and a huge quantity of arms and
explosives seized over the past one week. http://www.pajhwok.com/en/2014/02/12/weesa-wants-
candidates%E2%80%99-security-ensured
Weesa wants candidates’ security ensured By Bashir Ahmad Naadim Feb 12, 2014 - 20:17
was attended by about 500 people, said Malim Mirwali, a
Wolesi Jirga member from Helmand.
The MP said the gathering was aimed at mobilising the
people to actively participate in the April presidential and
provincial council elections in line with their national
responsibility.
He added the participants voiced support to Rassoul because
they were convinced the former foreign minister had better
programmes than others and that he understood well
international politics.
Elsewhere in the city, hundreds of people gathered in Tor
Tang area, pledging support to Sayyaf. A campaigner, Wali
Jan Sabiri, hoped people would vote for Sayyaf due to his
significant sacrifices during the Soviet invasion of
Afghanistan and his reputation as a religious scholar.
Addressing the gathering, former jihadi commander
Ahlullah Obaidi said all those vying for the presidency were
national personalities, who could serve the country turn by
turn.
He supported Sayyaf because he had better programmes for
the country’s rebuilding, announcing the extension of their
campaigning to Helmand’s districts. http://www.pajhwok.com/en/2014/02/12/helmand-gatherings-
back-rassoul-sayyaf
LASHKARGAH (Pajhwok): Two separate gatherings
were held in support of presidential candidates Zalmai
Rassoul and Abdul Rab Rassoul Sayyaf in southern
Helmand province on Wednesday. The gathering in
support of Rassoul, held in Lashkargah,
Voter cards demanded for Gizab dwellers By Hadi Ghafari Feb 12, 2014 - 17:46
NEILI (Pajhwok): Three thousand people have signed an
open letter calling on the government to issue voter
registration cards to residents of Gizab district and increase
the number of polling stations in central Daikundi province.
In the letter, civil society activists said voter cards had not
been distributed to Gizab residents, who would not be able
to exercise their franchise right in the April elections.
Suhrab Saroosh, the Daikundi Civil Society Network chief,
told Pajhwok Afghan News copies of the letter would be
sent to the president,
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MoI asks police to maintain neutrality By Pajhwok reporter Feb 13, 2014 - 18:28
KABUL (Pajhwok): Police officers, intending to campaign for
or against presidential candidates, should resign before plunging
into politics, warned the Ministry of Interior (MoI) on Thursday
The ministry stressed police must be impartial in the election
process and warned officers found taking sides would have to
face legal consequences without exception.
President Karzai also has called on government officials to
maintain neutrality and avoid taking sides or misusing
government machinery.
The two-month presidential campaigns will end 48 hours before
the Election Day (April 5).
http://www.pajhwok.com/en/2014/02/13/moi-asks-police-
maintain-neutrality
the Independent Election Commission (IEC) and the Free
and Fair Election Foundation of Afghanistan (FIFA).
He said voter cards were yet to be issued to the people of
Gizab and the election commission seemed to have no
intention to do so.
But Sughra Attayee, Daikundi IEC office head, said Gizab
belonged to Uruzgan province, not Daikundi.
However, Gizab is 10 kilometres south of Neili, the capital
city of Daikundi.
Attayee conceded the 174 polling centres, comprising 563
polling stations, in Daikundi were inadequate.
Deputy Governor Habibullah Radmanish confirmed the
concerns of civil society. He said roads would possibly be
closed on the election day if it was raining or snowfall. http://www.pajhwok.com/en/2014/02/12/voter-cards-demanded-
gizab-dwellers
Hundreds of the Ismaili community members attended the
rally organised under the aegis of Paiwand Milli Party of
Afghanistan.
The participants said they supported Ahmadzai for his
clear agenda and programmes, which they believed could
guarantee a better future for Afghanistan.
Syed Mansur Naderi, the community’s spiritual leader and
founder of the party, said they had been following
Ahmadzai’s plans for the last few months and were
convinced his ideas were unambiguous and better than
others.
He said their party had members in 14 provinces and all
of them saw Ahmadzai the right man to be the next
president of Afghanistan.
In northern Faryab province, hundreds of people,
including Junbish-i-Milli Afghanistan Party of Abdul
Rashid Dostum, organised a gathering in support of
Ahmadzai.
Junbish deputy provincial chief Syed Ahmad Syed said
about 2,000 people belonging to various from political
and civil society groups attended the gathering that
marked the opening of a campaign office for Ahmadzai in
Maimana, the provincial capital.
He said members of Junbish, the Right and Justice and
Refah-i-Milli parties attended the rally and voiced support
to Ahmadzai.
He said they had formed eight committees tasked with
establishing 17 campaign offices in Maimana and 16 in
districts.
Chief campaigner for Ahmadzai in Faryab, Rahmatullah
Turkistani, called the former finance minister as
appropriate person to lead the country.
The campaign’s Ulema Committee head, Maulvi Gul
Ahmad believed Ahmadzai and his first vice-presidential
choice Dostum could steer the country out of the conflict. http://www.pajhwok.com/en/2014/02/13/support-presidential-
runner-ghani-swells
Support to presidential runner Ghani swells By Pajhwok reporter Feb 13, 2014 - 19:47
KABUL/MAIMANA (Pajhwok): The Ismaili community
on Thursday organised a rally in Kabul, pledging support
to leading presidential candidate Dr. Ashraf Ghani
Ahmadzai, who also mustered such backing in northern
Faryab province. Support to presidential runner Ghani swells By Pajhwok reporter Feb 13, 2014 - 19:47
Pajhwok Afghan News
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, accusing him of not returning two armoured vehicles.
He had been given the vehicles during his official tenure
as chief of the Security Transition Programme. Sadat said
Ahmadzai, unlike other candidates, had not sought
armoured vehicles from the Ministry of Interior.
But he continued to illegally possess for the last five
months the armoured vehicles he was previously given.
Other candidates accused of violating the Election Law
include Daud Sultanzoy, Abdul Rab Rassoul and Abdul
Rahim Wardak. Sultanzoy is shown in a video clip,
threatening a private TV channel reporter.
Sadat said the video shared on social media was authentic
and the case being of a criminal nature had been referred
to the Attorney General Office (AGO).
Sayyaf has been accused of benefitting from government
resources in his election campaign. Sadat showed a
picture of a police pickup carrying a portrait of Sayyaf.
However, the IECC official said the police vehicle’s
number plate was not visible in the picture and it seemed
the photo was not real.
He added the commission had written a letter to Sayyaf
and cautioned him against using government resources
during his campaign.
In complaints against Wardak, a teacher has been accused
of using a government school and its students in the
campaign for Wardak in central Parwan province.
But Sadat said the complaints were rejected after no
concrete evidence could be produced and complainants
failed to testify before the commission.
Link: http://www.pajhwok.com/en/2014/02/15/ghani-fined-
failing-return-govt-vehicles
KABUL (Pajhwok): Hundreds of civil society activists on
Saturday announced their support to presidential candidate
Gul Agha Sherzai at a gathering in Kabul.
Sherzai’s campaign manager Mohammad Mohammadi said
hundreds of individuals -- representing various civil society
groups -- attended the gathering.
Activists from Afghan Youth Cultural Association,
National Coalition of Civil Society Organisations, Afghan
Students Association, Social Council of Safa Residential
Shahrak and Ahl-i-Bait Association were present at the
gathering.
Afghan Youth Cultural Association head Syed Hadi told
the audience the Afghans were in dire need of health
services and Sherzai had a history of executing health,
education, economic and reconstruction projects.
He also requested the former Nangarhar governor to create
jobs for the youth if he won the April 5 elections.
National Coalition of Civil Society Organizations
(NCCSO) spokesman, Khudai Dad said Sherzai’s past
performance encouraged the masses to support him.
Sherzai, speaking at the gathering, stressed the need for
national unity, asking people to be careful in selecting their
preferred candidate.
Sherzai said he would never accept slavery and would
always remain in the service of the nation. “We will
develop Afghanistan with your support under Islamic
laws.” Link: http://www.pajhwok.com/en/2014/02/15/hundreds-gather-
support-sherzai
KABUL (Pajhwok): The Independent Electoral Complaints
Commission (IECC) on Saturday slapped a fine of 50,000
afghanis on presidential candidate Ashraf Ghani Ahmadzai.
Announcing results of its investigations into complaints
against four runners, the watchdog chief said Ahmadzai had
been accused of misusing government resources. IECC
Chairman Abdul Sattar Sadat said the Presidential Palace’s
Administrative Affairs Office and the Cabinet Secretariat
had filed complaints against Ahmadzai
Ahmadzai, Rassoul muster more support By Javed Hamim Kakar Feb 15, 2014 - 20:45
KABUL (Pajhwok): The Afghanistan Milli Tehreek
(national movement) Party led by Ismail Yun on Saturday
announced its support to presidential candidate Ashraf
Ghani Ahmadzai
Ghani fined for failing to return govt vehicles By Muhammad Hassan Khitab Feb 15, 2014 - 14:45
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including Hilal, and details of the meetings had been con-
veyed in writing to Hekmatyar.
He said Hekmatyar, after consultations with other leaders,
had approved support to Hilal in the presidential elections. Link: http://www.pajhwok.com/en/2014/02/15/hekmatyar-led-
hia-supports-hilal
KABUL (Pajhwok): The Independent Electoral
Complaints Commission (IECC) has removed 19 more
provincial council candidates from the final list, an official
said on Sunday.
IECC spokesman Nadir Mohseni said the decision was
taken after a scrutiny of the documents of 74 provincial
council contenders.
All complaints regarding contenders’ age, their national
identity cards and citizenship were reviewed, which
resulted in the removal of 19 runners from the final list. http://www.pajhwok.com/en/2014/02/16/19-pc-runners-removed
-final-list
In a statement, the party said it had been assessing
programmes and agendas of the 11 candidates since the
announcement of the final candidate list to see which one
of them matched the movement’s policies.
The party wanted to swing behind a candidate, who had
the passion and ability to promote and preserve the
national values--- humanity, Afghan code of life and
Islam.
The statement said the Milli Tehreek had decided on
supporting Ahmadzai after undergoing prolonged
discussions among its intellectuals, leaders and members.
It said Ismail Yun would present the party’s policy on the
country’s present and future prosperity and the
establishment of a judicious system to Ahmadzai in
written form.
A campaigner for Ahmadzai, Suliman Khpalwak,
confirmed Ismail Yun’s party had announced its support
to the former finance minister.
Meanwhile, the Rafah and Adalat (social welfare and
justice) party announced it would back presidential
candidate Dr. Zalmai Rassoul in the April elections.
The campaign office of Rassoul in a statement said the
party had been operating in 25 provinces and had vast
support there.
In a separate statement, Rassoul’s campaign office said
hundreds of people in Panjsher, Paktia and Logar have
announced their support to the former foreign minister. Link: http://www.pajhwok.com/en/2014/02/15/ahmadzai-
rassoul-muster-more-support
Number of insecure polling sites falls By Azizullah Hamdard Feb 16, 2014 - 17:43
Hekmatyar-led HIA supports Hilal By Javed Hamim Kakar Feb 15, 2014 - 19:38
19 PC runners removed from final list By Pajhwok Report Feb 16, 2014 - 14:16
KABUL (Pajhwok): The Hezb-i-Islami Afghanistan, led
by former prime minister Gulbadin Hekmatyar, has
finally decided on lending support to presidential
candidate Qutbuddin Hilal. Dr. Ghairat Baheer, in charge
of HIA political affairs, on Saturday told Pajhwok
Afghan News the decision to back Hilal in the April 5
elections came at a meeting of the party’s executive body.
Baheer, who arrived in Kabul at the head of a delegation
last week, said the group had called on all supporters to
vote for Hilal. He added his delegation had held talks
with several political leaders,
KABUL (Pajhwok): The Ministry of Interior on Sunday
said security for 24 polling stations, previously considered
as insecure in three provinces, has been ensured.
MoI spokesman Siddiqui Siddique told a press conference
in Kabul 19 of the sites were located in Ghor, three in
Kapisa and two in Badakhshan provinces.
He said currently 390 polling sites in 11 provinces
remained under high security threats, but Afghan forces
were making efforts to ensure these sites were protected.
“We will do our best to improve security around all polling
stations over the next weeks,” Siddique said, adding that
security forces would not allow militants to disrupt the
election process.
The official said police had so far been able to protect
election workers, campaigners and presidential candidates
and the forces had the ability to keep security during the
campaign.
Security organs, in their report last month, said they would
not be able to provide security for 414 of the 6845 polling
sites in 11 provinces.
But a week back, the MoI issued a report on election
security, indicating the number of insecure polling sites
had increased from 414 to 420.
Link: http://www.pajhwok.com/en/2014/02/16/number-insecure-
polling-sites-falls
IECC names 19 disqualified PC runners By Pajhwok reporter Feb 17, 2014 - 15:19
KABUL (Pajhwok): The Independent Electoral
Complaints Commission (IECC) on Monday announced
the names of 19 provincial council candidates removed
from the final list. They are Rehana Pajohish from
Bamyan; Syed Sharafatullah Aslami, Zabihullah Mukhlis
and Hamidullah Jaijoon from Badakhshan; Syed
Mohammad Bashir Niazai from Jawzjan; Niamatullah
Amiri from Daikundi; and Saifur Rahman Rahmani from
Samangan. Also struck off the list are Atifa Amiri,
Mohammad Anwar Haidari, Mohammad Azam Azami
and Ahmad Javid Kiomars from Kabul; Ehsanullah Arab
and Mohammad Latif from Kunduz; Mohammad Nafi
Rokyal and Izzatullah Sarwari from Kandahar; Abdul
Wasi Naqikhel from Laghman; Abdul Hadi Ahmadzai and
Abdur Razzaq from Logar. IECC spokesman Nadir
Mohseni said on Sunday the decision was taken after a
scrutiny of the documents of 74 provincial council
contenders. About a month ago, 25 PC runners were
removed from the list for age forgery. All complaints re-
garding contenders’ age, their national identity cards and
citizenship were reviewed, which resulted in the removal
of 19 runners from the final list.
MAIDAN SHAHAR (Pajhwok): Thirty-seven polling sites
previously considered insecure have been protected as a
result of operations by security forces in Maidan Wardak
province, local officials said on Sunday.
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PUL-E-KHUMRI (Pajhwok): Under heavy insurgents’
threat, locals have secured the highly sensitive polling
stations in Burka district of northern Baghlan province and
they demanded launching of presidential campaign in the
district.
Nazar Mohammad, a local of the district, said people of
his locality had worked out stringent security measures
with the cooperation of police and there were no security
concerns for elections campaign.
“Earlier, illegal armed group and Taliban remnants were
harassing locals. Finally, we decided not to allow any
group or saboteur to disrupt the security during the pols,”
he added.
He said another polling station was facing security threat
in this district but that would be secured soon.
Around 30,000 families were living in the district, with
40,000 individuals were eligible to vote but elections
campaign could not be launched so far in the district.
Amanullah Habibi, director provincial election
commission, said a public awareness team would soon be
sent to the district in connection of elections.
Abdul Majid, district police chief, his force would ensure
security of another district so that proper canvassing could
be launched by the candidates. Link: http://www.pajhwok.com/en/2014/02/16/locals-ensure-
security-polling-stations
Locals ensure security of polling stations By Habibur Rahman Sherzai Feb 16, 2014 - 14:07
Governor Abdul Majid Khogyani told Pajhwok Afghan
News they had taken proactive measures to hold fair and
transparent elections in the central province. Security had
been ensured for all 160 polling sites across the province,
he claimed.
Khogyani said: “The previously vulnerable sites are
located in Jaghatu and Daimirdad districts, where security
operations are presently underway. We are striving to
protect these sites from possible threats.”
He added they had held talks with residents, who had held
out assurances to help the authorities in maintaining
stability in the restive areas. The governor promised
transparent polls would be held in Maidan Wardak.
The overall security situation was stable in Maidan
Wardak, where requisite election material had been
supplied to districts through land routes, he insisted. The
Kabul-Kandahar and Kabul-Bamyan highways had also
been secured, he said.
Khogyani said the foundation stone of a university would
be laid soon and they would strive to complete its building
and inaugurate next year.
“Construction work on many development schemes is
underway. An industrial park project is the biggest of
these schemes. Last year, we executed projects worth two
billion afghanis,” he concluded.
Link: http://www.pajhwok.com/en/2014/02/16/khogyani-
hopes-fair-polls-wardak
Khogyani hopes for fair polls in Wardak By Mahbob Shah Mahbob Feb 16, 2014 - 12:57
Islamic Party also swings behind Ahmadzai By Abasin Zaheer Feb 17, 2014 - 18:33
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KABUL (Pajhwok): The Islamic Party, led by Azizullah
Din Mohammad, on Monday pledged support to front-line
presidential runner Dr. Ashraf Ghani Ahmadzai.
President Hamid Karzai’s campaign manager in the
previous election, Din Mohammad hailed Ahmadzai as a
competent leader who could steer the country out of
problems.
Addressing a public gathering in Kabul, he asked the
candidate to work for strengthening peace, introducing the
Islamic system protecting Afghanistan’s territorial
integrity.
While stressing an inclusive and transparent election on
April 5, he urged the participants to launch a door-to-door
campaign for Ahmadzai. He also urged the inclusion of
religious scholars in government.
Ahmadzai welcomed the support pledge from Din
Mohammad and ex-jihadi commanders from the party,
which had been under the leadership of Maulvi
Mohammad Younus Khalis.
He promised respect for Islamic values and national
sovereignty, saying he would all he could to restore peace,
combat corruption, resolve refugees’ problems and give
women their due rights.
“In deep love with my nation, I’m ready to render any
sacrifice for the sake of peace. My hands are clean and
want to introduce the Baitul Mal system,” declared the
ex-finance minister.
Negotiations would be held with the fighters in mosques,
which would echo with a peace message, he said. He
plans to build a modern seminary in each province.
Ahmadzai praised President Karzai for paving the ground
for elections in consonance with the constitution. The
public mandate, the election outcome, should be
acceptable to all, he stressed. Link: http://www.pajhwok.com/en/2014/02/17/islamic-party-
also-swings-behind-ahmadzai
But the disqualified candidates rejected the IECC decision,
saying they had produced age certificates to meet the
commission rules. They are determined to find their way
back to the list.
One PC runner Saifur Rahman Rahmani called the IECC
decision unfair and told Pajhwok Afghan News he was over
26 years of age. Rahmani said he had documents to prove
his claim.
He warned of committing suicide if the IECC did not
recognise his right to contest the April elections. “I will
remain in front of the IECC office until the commission
gives me my right, or I will commit suicide.”
Another PC contender, Rehana Pajohish said she was 26
years old -- a claim proved by her identity card. She
accused the IECC of tampering with the copy of her
identity card.
Pajohish added she had registered a complaint with the
panel to check the record of the statistics department in
Bamyan. But the IECC says it has carefully scrutinised
candidates’ documents.
http://www.pajhwok.com/en/2014/02/17/iecc-names-19-
disqualified-pc-runners
MAZAR-I-SHARIF (Pajhwok): Chief of Army Staff
Gen. Sher Mohammad Karimi on Monday said
Afghan security forces were capable enough to deal
with the country’s security challenges. Gen. Karimi,
who visited northern provinces to examine security
measures put in place for polling stations, also held
talks with a number of high-ranking security officials.
He told Pajhwok Afghan News there was no critical
security problem for the Afghan National Army
(ANA) soldiers in northern Afghanistan. He said
Afghan forces had improved a lot in terms of skills
and professional ability. The Chief of Army Staff
insisted Afghan forces were competent enough to
maintain sustainable security for the upcoming
presidential and provincial council elections.
However, he said the geographical locations in Faryab
and Badakhshan provinces could pose some
challenges, which he said would be overcome in the
lead up to the April vote. Gen. Karimi said ANA
troops were 95 percent prepared from the prospective
of training and equipment, adding the troops would be
able to maintan security on their own after the interna-
tional forces' withdrawal by this year's end.
http://www.pajhwok.com/en/2014/02/17/afghan-
forces-capable-protect-polls-gen-karimi
Afghan forces capable to protect polls: Gen. Karimi By Zabihullah Ihsas Feb 17, 2014 - 19:58
IECC officers asked to show integrity
By Hassan Khitab Feb 18, 2014 - 16:58
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KABUL (Pajhwok): The Independent Electoral Com-
plaints Commission (IECC) chief on Tuesday asked
provincial chiefs to discharge their duties efficiently
or face stern action.
Speaking after an oath-taking ceremony, IECC Chair-
man Abdul Sattar Sadat said the newly inducted com-
missioners would be deployed to the provinces within
a week.
As many as 102 commissioners took oath, with three
officers being deployed to each province. The consti-
tutional duty of the IECC is to address complaints
against elections runners and commission members.
Sadat directed the officers to work without any favour
or fear. The commissioners, he acknowledged, were
facing multiple challenges and pressures.
“A commissioner’s fault is not a judge’s fault that
affects a single individual or a family; his error leaves
a negative impact on the entire population. History
will not pardon a commissioner who deliberately fa-
vours a particular contender,” he remarked.
The two-month presidential election campaign started
two weeks ago, but people long been demanding the
opening of IECC provincial offices.
IEC head Ahmad Yousuf Nuristani announced all-out
support to the newly-appointed commissioners and
said: “We will extend all possible cooperation to
IECC commissioners.”
Speaking on the occasion, UN Secretary-General’s
Special Representative for Afghanistan Jan Kubis
said it was a matter of satisfaction that Afghanistan
was heading toward landmark elections.
JALALABAD (Pajhwok): Religious scholars in eastern
Nangarhar province on Tuesday urged the masses to take
active part in the April presidential and provincial council
elections.
Several religious scholars gathered in the Spin mosque in
provincial capital and underlined the importance of
elections for a peaceful change.
Maulvi Mirza Turabi, a prayer leader, said the gathering
was aimed to discuss various aspects of the role and
character of Prophet Mohammad (Peace Be Upon Him).
He said hundreds of religious scholars from various
districts of the province attended the meeting, where they
asked people to participate in the polls.
Turabi added some individuals spread disinformation that
elections were in contravention of Islamic principles, in a
bid to prevent them from participating in the process.
Another religious scholar and participant of the gathering,
Haji Ihsanul Haq Haqqani, said people should vote in
favour of a contender who could ensure rule of law and
better serve the masses.
“Participation in elections is mandatory. Voters should
asses the personalities of contenders and then cast their
votes accordingly,” he stressed.
The process would not be legitimate if people did not take
part in the ballot, he said, adding: “We should exercise the
right to vote which would rid the nation of militancy and
war.”
http://www.pajhwok.com/en/2014/02/18/masses-urged-take-part-
elections
Masses urged to take part in elections By Mahbob Shah Mahbob Feb 18, 2014 - 11:49
Rassoul, Ghani assured of support By Pajhwok reporter Feb 18, 2014 - 19:27
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PUL-I-KHUMRI/MAIMANA (Pajhwok): Hundreds of
people on Tuesday gathered in northern Baghlan
province, voicing support to presidential candidate Dr.
Zalmai Rassoul.
A gathering of about 500 people in Baghlan-i-Markazi
district vowed support to Rassoul, a former foreign
minister in the President Karzai Cabinet, in the April
elections.
Syed Mohammad, an ex-jihadi commander, told
Pajhwok Afghan News the gathering coincided with the
opening of a campaign office of Rassoul in the district.
Presidential candidates Dr. Ashraf Ghani Ahmadzai, Dr.
Abdullah Abdullah, Qayyum Karzai and Abdul Rab
Rassoul Sayyaf have already opened campaign offices in
Baghlan.
But none of them, except Rassoul, has such offices
outside the provincial capital, Pul-i-Khumri. No
presidential hopeful has so far arrived in Baghlan since
the election campaign began Feb. 2.
Haji Babrak, a Kochi tribe representative, said there
were about 85,000 Kuchi tribesmen, who wanted to vote
for Rassoul.
In northern Faryab province, around 1,000 people held a
gathering in support of Dr. Ashraf Ghani Ahmadzai, a
front-line runner.
Link: http://www.pajhwok.com/en/2014/02/18/rassoul-
ghani-assured-support
JALALABAD (Pajhwok): Presidential candidate Dr.
Abdullah Abdullah on Tuesday promised to rebuild
Nangarhar’s canal system and construct mega hydropower
dams on Kunar and Kama rivers. Abdullah, who finished
second behind President Hamid Karzai in the 2009
elections, told his first-ever campaign rally in in Jalalabad
he would initiate work on small hydropower plants along
the slopes of Spin Ghar mountain. Accompanied by his
running mates, the former foreign minister said that he
would completely overhaul the Behsud Bridge and
reconstruct the Khogyani-Jalalabad, Jalalabad-Torkham
and Jalalabad-Kabul highways, if elected to power. “I will
establish a university in Laghman because it has been a
long-standing demand of the people. I will overhaul the
grand canal project in Nangarhar,” he promised. The rally
was organised at the Sherzai playground, where Wolesi
Jirga member Haji Hazrat Ali urged the participants to vote
for Abdullah in the April elections. A resident of eastern
Laghman province, Rassoul Khan, who attended the rally,
said he would vote for Abdullah. “I have come here on my
own will and I support Abdullah,” he said. Another
participant, Zuhra, told Pajhwok they had been told prior to
the rally that participants would be served lunch and
offered transport fares, but the organisers disappeared after
the rally had ended.
“I did not know for whom the rally is organised, but when I
reached the venue I saw Abdullah,” she said, complaining
she was unable to return home due to lack of money.
The rally addressed by Abdullah was attended by around
7,000 people, making it the largest in Nangarhar since the
election campaign began on Feb. 2. Link: http://www.pajhwok.com/en/2014/02/18/abdullah-vows-
mega-projects-nangarhar
Abdullah vows mega projects for Nangarhar By Mahbob Shah Mahbob Feb 18, 2014 - 17:47
Pajhwok Afghan News
Page 9
Election Coverage Newsletter
http://www.elections.pajhwok.com http://www.pajhwok.com
KABUL (Pajhwok): Forty-four of 248 parliamentarians,
interviewed by Pajhwok Afghan News over the past week,
support front-line presidential runner Dr. Ashraf Ghani
Ahmadzai.
Forty one lawmakers backDr. Zalmai Rassoul while as 39
support Dr. Abdullah Abdullah . Qayyum Karzai, brother
of the incumbent president, is supported by 10 MPs, Prof.
Abdul Rab Rassoul Sayyaf by 17 and Gul Agha Sherzai by
3. But none of the parliamentarians, who spoke to Pajhwok,
voiced their support for Qutbuddin Hilal, Abdul Rahim
Wardak, Daud Sultanzoy, Hidayat Amin Arsala and
Mohammad Nadir Naeem.
BAMYAN CITY (Pajhwok): Presidential candidate Gul
Agha Sherzai, who arrived in central Bamyan province in
connection with his election campaign, on Sunday
promised asphalting 50 kilometres of roads in the
province.
Addressing a gathering arranged by Hezb-i-Wahdat Milli
Islami party in Bamyan City, the former Nangarhar
governor also promised the construction of industrial
parks, vocational schools, development of the tourism
industry and electricity projects.
Sherzai chided Laura Bush for asphalting only two
kilometers of road in Bamyan with US aid, saying he had
blacktopped 2,400 kilometers of roads. The road between
the airport and the Bamyan Township has been asphalted
with American aid.
Sherzai said if he won the April elections, he would
launch reconstruction projects in Bamyan and Daikundi.
“I am famous as bulldozer. When I was the governor of
Nangarhar, I had manged to receive $5,500 million in aid
from donors and spent the money on the province’s
reconstruction.”
Syed Hussain Alami Balkhi, one of Sherzai’s running
mates, said Sherzai had chosen his deputies to be
Mujahid, not seculars returning from the West. Sherzai
also opened his campaign office in Bamyan.
In northern Faryab province, hundreds of Junbish-i-
Islami Party workers staged a rally in support of
Ahmadzai. Dr. Gul Mohammad, one of the rally
organisers, said Junbish workers backed Ahmadzai
because their leader Rashid Dostum was his running
mate.
Link:http://www.pajhwok.com/en/2014/02/16/sherzai-promises
-uplift-projects-bamyan
Sherzai promises uplift projects for Bamyan By Pajhwok reporter Feb 16, 2014 - 19:11
JALALABAD (Pajhwok): The deputy governor of eastern
Nangarhar province on Saturday underlined the role of
religious scholars in creating awareness among the people
regarding the crucial elections slated for April 5.
Mohammad Hanif Gardiwal expressed the view while
addressing the concluding session of a two-day seminar on
“Peace and Religious Scholars’ Role in Elections,”
attended by Ulema from Kunar, Laghman and Nuristan
provinces.
He said religious scholars should convey the message of
peace from mosques to help ensure greater participation of
male and female voters in the landmark ballot.
Haji Abdul Saboor Tauhidi, a religious scholar from
Nuristan, told Pajhwok Afghan News the seminar would
yield positive results in terms of enhanced awareness
among the people about the elections.
“Religious leaders can play a decisive role in peace
building and creating awareness among the masses about
participation in the polls. It is high time for Ulema to play
their due role so that elections are made a success,” he
added. Link: http://www.pajhwok.com/en/2014/02/16/ulema-role-
elections-underlined
Ulema role in elections underlined By Mahbob Shah Mahbob Feb 16, 2014 - 16:55
MPs support 3 presidential runners
By Abasin Zaheer Feb 16, 2014 - 16:03
Pajhwok Afghan News
Page 10
Election Coverage Newsletter
http://www.elections.pajhwok.com http://www.pajhwok.com
saw Abdullah as a leader who could better address the
challenges facing Afghanistan. Eight senators and 33
assembly members supported Rassoul. The senators are
Rafiullah Gul Afghan, Syed Farrukh Shah Janab, Humaira
Niamat, Rana Tarin, Sara Surkhabi, Arifullah Pashtun,
Mohammad Daud Ghaffari and Najiba Hussaini. Also
lending their weight to Rassoul are Wolesi Jirga members
Mohammad Hashim Mehdi, Fatima Nazari, Jafar
Mehdawi, Ihsan Sahibzada, Sher Wali Wardak, Rahima
Jami, Nisar Ahmad Ghoryani, Mohammad Raza Khushk
Watan Dost, Farida Hamidi, Fariba Kakar, Abdul Qader
Qalatwal, Syed Mohammad Daud, Ghulam Sarwar Faiz,
Hamida Akbari, Abdul Sattar Khawasi, Mohammad Al-
mas Zahid, Samia Aziz, Siddique Ahmad Osmani, Zakia
Sangin, Tahira Mujaddedi, Mohammad Iqbal Safi, Haji
Agha Jan, Saleh Mohammad, Sakhi Mashwani, Mir-
wais Yasini, Syed Ikram, Lailuma Wali Hakami, Di-
lawar Aimaq, Mohammad Arif Shah Jehan, Mohammad
Arif Rahmani, Nafisa Sultani, Yosif Sabir and Hamida
Ahmadzai. Lailuma Wali Hakami, representing Nangarhar
province in the lower house, believed Rassoul could steer
Afghanistan out of crisis because he was an internationally
recognised politician. He could also muster global aid, she
said. Ten Wolesi Jirga members supporting Sayyaf are:
Daud Kalkani, Zamarak Padkhwabi, Anwar Khan
Oryakhel, Izzatullah Atif, Nazir Ahmad Hanafi,
Mohammad Arif Tayyeb, Karamuddin Razazada, Abdul
Sattar Darzabi, Abdul Ahmad Durrani and Allah Nazar
Turkmen. In the Senate, Sayyaf’s backers are: Fazal Hadi
Muslimyar, Rafiullah Haideri, Abdul Hanan Haqyun,
Obaidullah Turkmen, Mohammad Osman Rahmani,
Mukaram Khan Nasiri and Nazar Mohammad Faqiri.
Obaidullah Turkmen threw his weight behind Sayyaf,
saying the candidate had been in Afghanistan through
difficult times. Being a jihadi commander, Sayyaf could
better address the country’s myriad problems, he felt.
Qayyum Karzai is supported by eight Wolesi Jirga
members: Mir Wali, Mohammad Omar Nangyalai, Abdul
Khaliq Bala Karzai, Mullah Syed Mohammad Akhund,
Obaidullah Barakzai, Fathullah Qaisari, Saifura Elkhani,
and Malim Chari. Senators Niamatullah Popal and Syed
Aqa Hussain Hashimi also back him. Senator Malim
hailed Karzai as an experienced economist, who could
resolve Afghanistan’s economic problems. MPs Ustad
Mohammad Akbari, Fakoori Beheshti and Sharifullah
Kamawal are behind Gul Agha Sherzai, the former
Nangarhar governor. Akbari said Sherzai had proved as
governor that he could rebuild the country. Of the 248
MPs interviewed, 52 Wolesi Jirga members and 38
senators said they had not yet decided on supporting any
presidential aspirant. Link:
http://www.pajhwok.com/en/2014/02/16/most-mps-back-
ghani-future-president
Last week, Pajhwok asked Wolesi Jirga and Meshrano
Jirga members about which candidate they supported for
the presidency. In line with their constitutional structure,
the Wolesi Jirga has 249 members and the Meshrano Jirga
102. But currently, the Wolesi Jirga strength stands at 246,
having lost three of its members -- Abdul Mutalib Baig,
Mohammad Hashim Watanwal and Shahnaz Himmati.
Their replacements are yet to be notified. Senators Suleman
Yari and Maulvi Arsala Rahmani have also lost their lives,
but their replacements have already been introduced to the
upper house. Pajhwok did all it could to ascertain the views
of all 348 lawmakers, but it was able to contact 250 of
them. Thirty-six of them, including eight senators,
supported Ahmadzai. They include Topeka Patman,
Shinkai Karokhel, Ramazan Jumazada, Farkhanda Zahra
Naderi, Mohammad Wali Alizai, Abdul Jabbar Qahraman,
Mohammad Naeem Hamidzai, Asadullah Sadati, Sima
Joyenda, Ruqiya Nail, Naqibullah Faiq, Bashir Ahmad
Tinj, Inayatullah Babar, Aziz Jalis, Syed Anwar Sadat,
Nadir Khan Katawazai, Sahira Sharif, Humayun Humayun,
Liaqat Ali Babakarkhel, Nawab Mangal, Mohammad
Ibrahim Ghakhtalai, Sidiqa Mubarez, Abdul Zahir Qadeer,
Faridoon Momand, Arin Yoon, Syed Daud Naderi, Syed
Mansoor Naderi, Gulalai Noor Safi, Nasima Niazi,
Mohammad Ali Alizada, Chaman Shah Itimadi, Khuda Dad
Irfani, Shah Gul Rezayee, Shakiba Hashimi, Gul Padshah
Majidi and Najia Babakarkhel. Similarly, the senator
supporting Ahmadzai are: Sibghatullah Mujaddedi, Saleha
Maharzada, Siffatullah Haqmal, Abdul Baqi Baryal, Farida
Kochai, Haji Lutfullah Baba, Mohammad Ismail Munshi
and Mohammad Amin Ahmadi.Wolesi Jirga member from
Baghlan province Syed Mansoor Naderi called Ghani an
intelligent and decisive man, with the ability to build a
brilliant future for the country. 39 public representatives,
including eight senators, are supportive of Abdullah. They
are: Mohammad Yunus Qanuni, Abdul Hafiz Mansoor,
Syed Ali Kazimi, Allah Gul Mujahid, Ahmad Behzad,
Samiullah Samim, Mohammad Sarwar Osmani, Qazi
Abdul Rahim, Khair Mohammad, Abdur Rahman Shaidani,
Ali Ahmad Shahidi, Mir Rahman Rahmani, Dr. Zahir
Sadat, Hazrat Ali, Pir Bakhash Gardiwal, Abdul Ghaffar,
Asmatullah Shinwari, Abdul Latif Pidram, Syed Ikram
Masoomi, Mohammad Azim Mohseni, Mohammad Abda,
Alam Khan Azadi, Ahmad Shah Ramazan, Abbas Abrahim
zada, Mohammad Ishaq Rahguzar, Asadullah Sharifi,
Abdur Rahman Rahmani, Mohammad Farhad Azimi,
Saifura Naizai, Breshna Rabi and Ali Akbar Qasimi. In the
upper house, Abdullah enjoys the backing of Habibur
Rahman, Abdul Sattar Iffat, Abdul Wali Raji, Lailuma
Ahmadi, Haji Majeed, Maulvi Mahmood Danishjo, Maulvi
Mohammad Faizi and Noor Mohammad Kafil Noori.
Mohammad Sarwar Osmani, a Wolesi Jirga member from
Farah province,