Afghan forces on high alert ahead of presidential election

Amin Alemi
Press TV, Kabul

Preparations are being made for yet another key election in Afghanistan which is alarmed by the specter of violence and militant attacks. People are set to go to polls to choose the country’s next president on Saturday.

Afghanistan's Independent Election Commission says there are nearly 5,000 polling stations across the country that must be protected from terrorist attacks. The afghan government says it will do all it can to fulfill the will of people which is holding a free election but it also calls on all those who are involved in this process to pay their dues.

Also authorities in the capital Kabul have commissioned nearly 72,000 military forces from across the country in order to pave the way for voters to cast their ballots in a calm atmosphere.

This comes as attacks including those launched by the Taliban have sharply increased across the country since the collapse of peace negotiations between Washington and Taliban.

Some citizens say the government must maintain close cooperation with the people in order to succeed in holding a sound election. Some others are appreciative of the government over its enhanced efforts in bolstering security ahead of the presidential vote.

There are some 9 million people who are eligible to vote in the Saturday's election. 18 candidates are vying to be the country’s next president for the next 5 years.

Incumbent President Ashraf Ghani and the country’s Chief Executive Abdullah Abdullah are the main challengers.

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