Tuesday, August 23 2005 10:39 Hrs (IST) - World Time -

United Nations: Concerned over escalating violence in Afghanistan ahead of September 18 elections, the United Nations has urged national and international security forces to respond quickly to check the 'worrying trends' and help keep the electoral process on track.

The escalation of violent attacks against candidates, election staff, civic educators and community leaders is particularly alarming and poses the greatest threat to the election process, with the east, southeast and south being the areas of greatest concern, a joint report by the UN Assistance Mission in Afghanistan (UNAMA) and Afghan Independent Human Rights Commission (AIHRC) warned.

Pointing at the 'worrying trends,' the report said, "Despite the fact that extremists have failed to derail the election process or to pressure candidates to withdraw, the possibility exists that the threat of violent attacks will have an impact on the campaign process and on election day, potentially disenfranchising large parts of the Pashtun population."

The ballot, which will wrap up the war-torn country's political transition, is on track with 5,800 registered candidates and about 1.5 million newly registered voters, the world body says but stressed 'concerted action will be needed by national and international security forces to respond to the security threats.'

"The overall impact is positive, particularly for women in conservative regions," says the report adding that the range of candidates does not support the view that commanders and armed elements will dominate the elections.