The head of the Independent Election Commission (IEC), Abdulbadi Sayyad, said insecurity and interference by police chiefs and local officials, including governors and district governors, are key challenges facing the candidates registration process.

"Candidates sent us letters (for registration) especially in Kandahar but we received 11 or 12 letters from police chiefs which slowed down the process,” he said.

Kandahar’s Gen. Abdul Raziq is one police chief who has been accused of interfering. However he said the IEC is not an independent organization and that he has not done anything illegal.

“This issue which has been raised by the head of the IEC and other employees of the commission is completely baseless,” Raziq said.

There are reports about illegal distribution of identity cards and stamping of these ID cards in Kandahar - which is allegedly being supported by some local officials. 

The IEC said a commission has been assigned to assess the reports.

The commission’s head meanwhile said they will assess claims against some candidates who are accused of human rights violations and war crimes.

“Those who are accused of war crimes or violating human rights or who have illegal armed groups will be removed from the list if allegations against them are found to be true,” Sayyad said.

According to IEC statistics, so far more than 6.3 million people have registered to vote countrywide.