16 September 2010 - The United Nations condemns the killings of two polling staff of the Independent Election Commission (IEC) of Afghanistan yesterday, in the Charbolak district of Balk province in the north of the country. We join the Chairperson of the IEC, Professor Fazal Ahmad Manawi, in his condemnation when he confirmed these killing at a press conference in Kabul today.

Dari - Pashto

We offer our deepest condolences to the families and friends of those who lost their lives, and our sympathies and solidarity to their colleagues in the Independent Election Commission.

Any intimidation and violence against staff members of the Afghan electoral authorities, both the IEC and the Electoral Complaints Commission, is totally unacceptable.

Despite this terrible incident, and despite further violent incidents today targeting IEC staff as well as candidates, it is important that the Afghan electoral authorities continue their work to provide the opportunity to Afghan citizens to elect their representatives to parliament. The United Nations remains committed in its support of the 18 September elections.