Addressing a crowd of supporters in Kabul today, September 15, Chief Executive Abdullah Abdullah claimed that the incumbent president is forcing Afghan traders to back the State Builder ticket in the upcoming presidential election.
Ghani has warned to ban businesses and enterprises of Afghan traders if they do not support the State Builder presidential ticket, Mr. Abdullah says.
“You have threatened business owners in private sector to take part in your [election] campaign or fund [your campaign],” Abdullah said publicly pointing to Mohammad Ashraf Ghani.
Abdulla Abdulla, who leads the Stability and Partnership presidential ticket, blamed Ghani of abusing state-owned facilities, in particular in his video conferences or virtual rallies.
“The coordination center has been found for defense purpose of the Afghan people, coordination among the Afghan defense and security forces, and counter terrorism,” he specified while noting that Ghani was using the center for campaigning in remote districts.
Mr. Abdullah urged the Independent Electoral Complaint Commission (IECC) to stop Ghani of using state-own facilities.
Sediq Seddiqi, spokesperson for President Ghani, however, rejected the accusation made by Abdullah and described it as reasoned remarks made to win heart and mind of people.
The remarks came while as early as last week, the IECC stated that both Ghani and Abdullah were using state-owned facilities in campaign rallies.
