UNITED NATIONS, Oct. 2 (Xinhua) -- UN Security Council on Wednesday called on all Afghan presidential candidates "to honour the code of conduct they signed pledging respect and adherence to the electoral process, and to preserve its integrity."
In a press statement, the members of the Security Council noted the holding of the presidential elections in Afghanistan on Sept. 28 as "another important step in the democratic development of the country."
While applauding for voters, poll workers, election observers and security forces, they condemned the actions of those who attempted to disrupt the elections, such as attacks against civilians, including election personnel and candidates.
The Council called on the Afghan electoral institutions, including the Independent Election Commission and the Independent Electoral Complaints Commission, to ensure that the votes of Afghans are accurately counted and that results are determined in a fair, inclusive and transparent manner.
They also urged all stakeholders to refrain from premature conclusions and accusations.
It is the fourth presidential election in Afghanistan since 2001, when the Taliban regime was ousted from power.
Security remains the biggest challenge for the election, as the Taliban outfit has vowed to disrupt the election process. A number of security incidents have been reported from across the country.
Moreover, many voters, fearing possible fraud in the voting process, have complained that the biometric devices in some polling centers were out of order which could undermine the polling transparency.
Afghanistan's previous presidential election was held in April 2014 but months' delay in announcing the result almost took the country to the edge of civil war and finally led to formation of National Unity Government with the mediation of former U.S. Secretary of State John Kerry.
