DHAKA: Afghanistan’s election commission has fired half its staff - 5,338 people - over alleged fraud in the first round of presidential elections last month.

Those sacked will be barred from working on the second round next month, commission officials said, reports the BBC.

Both the leading candidates have made allegations of fraud.

Millions of Afghans defied Taliban threats to take part in the election. Turnout was double that of the previous election in 2009.

Former foreign minister Abdullah Abdullah won the most votes in the first round, with 44.9%. Ex-finance minister Ashraf Ghani came second with 31.5%.

The Independent Election Commission (IEC) of Afghanistan had about 11,000 staff for the first round.

BDST: 2134 HRS, MAY 25, 2014