Afghan vote officials: More polling stations to remain closed because of security concerns

Afghanistan: More voting stations to remain closed

KABUL, Afghanistan — Afghan election officials say more than 80 polling stations will have to remain closed in the tense eastern Nangarhar province during the Sept. 18 parliamentary vote because of the deteriorating security situation in the region bordering Pakistan.

The number adds to the previously announced decision to shut down more than 900 voting sites nationwide because of security concerns. The Afghan government and its foreign partners hope the election will help consolidate the country’s shaky democracy.

The state election commission said in a statement on Wednesday that out of 458 vote centers planned in Nangarhar, 81 will have to remain closed “due to deteriorating security conditions” in the region considered one of the main centers of the Taliban insurgency.