Afghan presidential votes ruled invalid due to ‘clear fraud’

AFGHANISTAN’S vote monitoring body has ordered the invalidation of ballots from last month’s controversial elections, finding “clear and convincing evidence of fraud”.

Afghans went to the polls in their second direct presidential election on August 20, but the vote was marred by low turnout and allegations of vote-rigging, intimidation and other fraud.

“In the course of its investigations, the ECC (Electoral Complaints Commission) has found clear and convincing evidence of fraud” in 32 polling stations in two southeastern provinces, the commission said.