TALIBAN IN CALL TO BOYCOTT ELECTIONS

KABUL: The Taliban yesterday issued a call for Afghans to boycott this week’s parliamentary elections, denouncing the vote as a foreignimposed process that went against both Islam and Afghan culture.

It said the elections “have no Islamic or Afghan essence, but are a foreign plot to prolong occupation” and said it was the duty of every Afghan and Muslim to oppose them.

The elections are due to take place tomorrow, but preparations have been dogged by poor planning and allegations of widespread fraud, as well as worries that polling stations will be attacked.