KHOST NEWS
IEC Statement on Retrieval, Turnout and Contingency Materials
20 Sept 2010
The IEC is continuing to oversee the retrieval of materials from polling on 18 September 2010. Two
days after elections, 73% of sensitive materials such as ballot boxes have been retrieved to IEC offices
in provincial capitals. One hundred percent of materials in Helmand, Jowzjan, Kapisa, and Kabul have
been retrieved while provinces with hard to reach areas, such as Badakhshan, Ghor, and Daikundi, have
between 30-50% of materials retrieved. Provincial IEC offices are in turn forwarding results forms to
the National Tally Center at IEC headquarters.
The IEC takes this opportunity to reiterate information on voter turnout as announced on 18 September.
Voter turnout was calculated based on the maximum number of voters planned for, which were
estimated through population statistics. By the end of polling on 18 September the IEC only received
reports from approximately 79% of planned polling centers (86% of polling centers reported open),
providing an initial turnout figure of 3,642,444 voters. Approximately 9.2 million voters were allocated
to these polling centres out of a total allocation of 11.4 million voters for all polling centers. More
complete information on all opened polling centers is expected to be released in conjunction with
results.
Reports that contingency materials could not be distributed to polling centers have also been received by
the IEC. It is important to point out that strict control of materials is one of the principles of fraud
mitigation the IEC adheres to, and stringent procedures exist to ensure that these materials are not used
to facilitate fraud and misconduct. A total of 255 polling centers received contingency materials on
Election Day. Of those, logistical constraints prevented delivery to several centers in hard to reach areas
such as Jawand District, Badghis and Darwaze Bela Mamai district, Badakshan. Isolated cases where
voters could not vote due to lack of materials are certainly regrettable but at the same time highlight the
risks of holding elections in the current security and logistical climate.
Finally, the IEC notes that some media outlets and observer groups have been quick to imply the
electoral process is unsuccessful based on allegations of fraud and misconduct. The IEC acknowledges
that cases of fraud and misconduct are inevitable in the current security climate and is fully committed
to working with the Electoral Complaints Commission to eliminate the effect from the final results
insofar as possible. The IEC reminds these outlets that the process is not yet completed and urges media
and observer groups to display restraint in their statements, in order to permit voters to decide on the
legitimacy of the process as it continues to unfold.
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