Officials in Afghanistan say suspected Taleban rebels have killed a candidate in the country's upcoming legislative election.
Authorities say National Assembly candidate Abdul Hadi was shot dead late Thursday in front of his house in southern Helmand province.
At least six candidates and several poll workers have been murdered ahead of Sunday's ballot. The Taleban, who have denounced the polls, have claimed responsibility for several of the killings.
In Kabul, senior U.N. envoy to Afghanistan Filippo Grandi said murders and intimidation continue to be a serious obstacle to free and fair elections, but stressed the attacks have not derailed the electoral process.
Campaigning officially ended Thursday, with electoral officials racing to educate more than 12 million Afghans on the voting process prior to the balloting.
Some information for this report provided by AP and Reuters.