KABUL, Afghanistan, Aug. 10 (UPI) -- Despite enthusiasm for the voting process, extensive insecurity in Afghanistan is having a negative impact on the elections, a U.N. report says.
The United Nations along with the Afghan Independent Human Rights Commission found insecurity in the country is a looming concern despite voter enthusiasm, especially when concerning attacks on female candidates.
The report finds that the violence in Afghanistan is preventing several candidates from campaigning for the provincial and presidential elections scheduled for Aug. 20.
"These restrictions have, in turn, created significant limitations on freedom of association and peaceful assembly, and amplified women's difficulties in participating in the electoral process," stated the report.
The report states that three women candidates in the southern province of Kandahar were forced from their homes due to violence, while a female candidate in Takhar province closed her offices after her home was set on fire.
Meanwhile, four assassinations in July were linked to the election, though most candidates interviewed for the report said the mood has been generally optimistic.
There are more than 40 names up for consideration for the presidential poll, with some 3,000 vying for seats on the provincial councils.
