By DPA,
Stockholm : The European Union Thursday said it backed a complete investigation into “allegations of fraud” in connection with the recent presidential elections in Afghanistan.
The EU said it supported the work by the UN-backed Election Complaints Commission ECC to “safeguard the credibility of the elections,” the statement issued by Sweden, which currently holds the EU’s rotating presidency, said.
The statement noted that the Aug 20 elections would not be complete until “the final results have been certified” in accordance with the electoral law.
Pending the final vote count, supporters of Afghan president Hamid Karzai and his chief rival, Abdullah Abdullah, and others were urged to “refrain from pre-judging any result until it has been properly certified”.
The EU said it was necessary for the ECC – along with the Independent Election Commission – to get “sufficient time” to carry out its duties.
More than 2,000 complaints of fraud were as of Sunday lodged against the election, according to the ECC.
Complaints have mentioned ballot stuffing, proxy voting, and under-age voting.