» 09/18/2010 11:28 AFGHANISTAN Afghans turnout to vote despite sporadic attacks Some rockets were fired in Kabul, Jalalabad and Balkh. So far there are three dead and four wounded. Yesterday 18 people were abducted. UN representative: "Elections are not perfect, but better than last year."
Kabul (AsiaNews) - The Afghan people have begun to vote in parliamentary elections in a tense situation already marked by some attacks in Kabul, Jalalabad and Balkh.
Over 10.5 million people are called to the polls to elect 249 deputies of the lower house (Wolesi Jirga), choosing from 2,500 candidates. 68 seats reserved for women.
The Taliban have vowed to boycott the vote and asked the people to "remain faithful to jihad." Despite the widespread presence of police, army and foreign troops, this morning there are already falling of rockets in the centre of Kabul and Jalalabad, which have caused fatalities. But an attack in Balkh has killed three people and injuring four others. There are also unconfirmed reports of attacks on polling stations in Kandahar province, Badakhshan, Khost and Herat.
Yesterday in the northeast of the country, the Taliban kidnapped 18 people - 10 supporters of a candidate and eight officials of the Election Commission. A candidate was also kidnapped in Kabul.
President Hamid Karzai, who voted this morning, an hour after the opening of the polls, urged all people to vote and also asked the Taliban to participate in elections.
In addition to attacks by Taliban, international observers fear fraud, as was the case last year in the presidential election. In recent days, at least 3,000 fake election documents were seized in Kabul.
Steffan de Mistura, UN Special Representative says: "The ballot may not be perfect, but ... I am sure that these elections will take place better than last year." Partial results are expected September 21, and final results on October 31.
