Election observers and lawmakers in Afghanistan’s parliament on Monday lashed out at the Independent Election Commission (IEC) for delaying the preliminary results of the September presidential elections, saying the delay paves the way for fraud.  

Critics say that any attempt to exploit the votes of the people should be avoided as it would have severe repercussions for the country and the nation.

But the election has said that it will not allow anyone to manipulate the election.

“This will pose damage to the credibility of the elections,” said Mohammad Yousuf Rashid, head of the Transparent Election Foundation of Afghanistan (TEFA).

“This is totally illogical and the commission should remember that it should not play with the votes of the people,” said MP Maryam Sama.

“When we are addressed as traitors and accused that we are hiding someone from the people of Afghanistan, we are ready to be accountable and respond to the people,” said IEC commissioner Rahima Zarifi.

The announcement of the election results was originally scheduled for Oct 19, but IEC officials cited technical issues--as well as extra actions needed to maintain transparency--as reasons for the delay.

Hawa Alam Nuristani, chief of the Independent Election Commission, said the preliminary presidential election results will be announced on November 14.

According to the IEC, an attempt to hack the commission’s server and picking the digital lock of the digital center were two key factors that delayed the announcement.

“After consultations with the honorable commissioners, we finalized the date for the preliminary results of the presidential elections for November 14. This is final from our side,” said Nuristani.