HRRAC seeks transparency during polls

KABUL: The Human Rights Research and Advocacy Consortium (HRRAC) Saturday urged the Afghan government, the United Nations, International observers and non-governmental organisations to ensure transparency during the upcoming parliamentary polls.

Addressing a press conference here, HRRAC's deputy project manager Hooria Misdaq said a large number of people feared most of the seats would be grabbed by warlords and influential.

She was referring to a survey conducted by her organistion in six provinces during which a large number of people feared the voters would be intimidated by warlords and forced to cast vote in their favour.

She said the survey conducted in Bamyan, Paktia, Jauzjan, Kabul, Kandahar and Herat provinces was aimed at highlighting the problems, doubts and apprehensions of the people about the polls.

Giving details of the survey report, Hooria said 520 people including women were interviewed in the six provinces. They feared the powerful and influential people would force the voters, she added.

Some of the people believed fighting would erupt again if war criminals and war lords were allowed into the new parliament.