Afghan officials vow to probe claims of poll rigging

By Shadi Khan Saif

KABUL, Afghanistan (AA) - Afghanistan's election authority on Monday vowed to investigate allegations of rigging following landmark elections in the country.

Abdul Badi Sayyad, chairman for the Independent Election Commission, told a news conference a committee has been established to look into the allegations of rigging and other glitches that caused delays in the two-day parliamentary elections. “Those individuals found guilty of negligence of duty or violations of the electoral rules will face legal actions in accordance with the law,” he said.

A number of political parties raised questions over credibility of the elections held over the past weekend.

The commission is looking into 5,000 complaints regarding the polls.

Preliminary results of the election are expected on Nov. 10 while final results are due on Dec. 20.

Polls will be held in Kandahar province on Oct. 27. A deadly Taliban shootout caused the vote to postpone in the province.

Sayyad said preparations have also begun for the presidential election due in April next year.