IEC headquarters reopens

The office reopened as security forces demolished nearly 10 tents that had been set up by protesters outside the office in a raid last night.
The raid involved clashes with protesters with several vehicles parked in the area being damaged.
Afghanistan’s long-delayed parliamentary vote is scheduled to be held in October 20. The country’s top electoral body barred 35 candidates including serving MPs from running in the polls, citing links with illegal armed groups.
The ban triggered protests by the ousted candidates and their supporters and IEC’s offices in eight provinces still remain closed.
Syed Hafizullah Hashimi, a member of IEC, urged security institutions to help open IEC’s offices in provinces.
Meanwhile, major political parties and movements had been expected to launch rallies today due to the government’s refusal to accept their demands regarding the elections.
However, it was postponed as the parties are set to meet with President Ashraf Ghani later in the day.
The parties have demanded change in election system and have proposed use of biometric technology while voting.
The presidency declined to comment, but IEC’s Hashimi said that the parties’ proposals are not practical due to shortage of time.
U.S. welcomes reopening of IEC HQ in Kabul
Meanwhile, U.S. Ambassador to Afghanistan John Bass welcomed reopening of IEC HQ in Kabul.
"IEC employees must be allowed to work so Afghanistan electoral process can move forward and Afghanscan vote! Those dissatisfied with prep should not block IEC functioning. Other ways exist to make voices heard," Bass said on Twitter.