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In yet another attempt to prevent Afghanistan from going to the polls next year, five members of the Independent Election Commission (IEC), including two women were kidnapped by a group of unidentified gunmen on Thursday from Almar district in Faryab province.
Noor Mohammad Noor, the spokesman of the IEC, confirmed the kidnappings and said that the incident occurred on Thursday. After several rounds of negotiations with the kidnappers, the elders of Almar district managed to rescue two women and one man a day after the incident. However, two members of the IEC are still being held as captives by the gunmen.
"Five employees of the IEC were kidnapped from Almar district in Faryab province by unknown armed men. Three of them have been released and efforts are being made to rescue the remaining two employees. We are holding discussions with the officials and elders of Almar district to find a way for their release," said Mr. Noor.
The Commission said that the kidnapped employees worked at the voters' registration centers in the province and were abducted while they were returning home from work.
After the killing of Amanullah Aman, the chief of the IEC in Kunduz province, kidnapping of the IEC officials marks the second incident aimed at preventing the next spring's elections. The Commission once again cited insecurity as a major challenge in opening voters' registration centers in several provinces and holding elections in a transparent manner.
On Wednesday, Amanullah Aman was shot dead by two unidentified gunmen in Kunduz city. The Taliban had claimed responsibility for the attack.
Security surrounding the upcoming Presidential and Provincial elections has been a major concern of government officials and the public. Most of security related issues have had to do with voter registration offices not being able to open in certain areas, and residents being too afraid to participate.