The United Nations has warned the next round of Afghan elections will be more vulnerable to fraud and intimidation than last month's presidential vote.
U.N. Undersecretary-General for Peacekeeping Jean-Marie Guehenno said Tuesday a lack of local government, the influence of warlords and a growing drug trade could affect next year's parliamentary vote.
To hold successful local and parliamentary elections, he said Afghanistan must set district boundaries, compile population figures on which to base parliamentary seats and generate accurate voter lists. He also said election offices must develop ways to examine and approve each candidate's qualifications, and handle election complaints.
Mr. Guehenno praised Afghan and coalition security work during the presidential vote, and said a larger effort will be needed to ensure security at local elections.