On Tuesday, the first day of the provincial council campaigns, two provincial councils candidates from Ghor Province stepped down from the election, claiming that Illegal Armed Groups (IAGs) and powerful, local actors are controlling the polling centers. The candidates stated that holding the election under such circumstances questions the transparency of the polling process.

In the past, such allegations were raised several times about the electioneering of the elections in the province. The responsible officials had claimed to look into the issue. Despite that, two candidates have already quit from the race, citing insecurity and interference of the illegal armed groups in the polling.

“There are some elements in Ghor that keep armed men or people affiliated with IAGs. Even some candidates are associated with  IAGs," Hassan Hakimi said. "That is one of our biggest concerns and the reason I resigned."

Ghor governor did not reject the existence of IAGs in the province. But he assured that up to 2,000 security personnel have been assigned to provide security coverage to the election process. The governor asserted that if IAGs interfered in the elections, votes from the particular centers will not be counted.

In the meantime, people's willingness to cast ballots in the upcoming presidential and provincial councils elections have noticeably increased in the western Herat.

"We came to get our voting card so we can participate in the elections,” a resident in Herat said.

According to the election commission site office in Herat, more than 240,000 people have received voting cards in the province.

“Many people have come to get voting cards. We request from the election commission to open more centers,” another resident added.

At least 166 people, including 21 women, are running for provincial council seats. The Electoral Complaints Commission (ECC) claimed that it has opened provincial offices. However, their offices have yet to be active in the western zone.