A/HRC/13/62 Constitution. Concern was also raised about the Government’s ownership of national policies because of its high dependence on aid. 43. An OHCHR/UNAMA right to food survey conducted in 2009 found that access to adequate food in poor communities is frequently affected by connections to those in power. Corruption in food aid limits access for those who cannot afford to pay a bribe or who do not receive food aid because it has been diverted elsewhere. There was a marked difference in response between men and women, with women disproportionately and negatively impacted in accessing adequate food. 44. These findings, as well as additional research, contributed to a larger study on the human rights dimension of poverty in Afghanistan. This research has shown that abuse of power is a critical factor in the marginalization and disempowerment of Afghans living in abject poverty. In sum, poverty is neither accidental nor inevitable, but rather reflects the way Afghan society is organized, how resources are allocated and used, and the accountability, or lack thereof, of decision makers. VI. Deficits in democracy A. Elections 45. The presidential and provincial council elections took place against a backdrop of worsening security conditions, violation of women’s rights and widespread electoral fraud and irregularities, which tainted the legitimacy of the electoral process and its outcome. The apparent interest shown by Afghans in the electoral process that was witnessed during the campaign did not quite yield the expected level of participation on polling day. UNAMA Human Rights collaborated with the AIHRC in a political rights monitoring exercise of the election process, producing three reports covering the nomination phase, campaign period, and polling day and the audit process. 46. The nomination and challenge period complied with electoral laws and regulations, and proceeded according to the timetable established. The campaign period, by and large, was also conducted in a dignified and engaged manner and stimulated vibrant political debates. A greater number of candidates stood for election as compared to previous elections. In particular, female candidates running for provincial council seats accounted for 10 per cent of all candidates, representing an overall increase of 20 per cent compared to the previous provincial council elections. 47. This situation was in contrast to election-related killings, attacks and threats, mainly carried out by AGEs and unknown perpetrators, against candidates, civic educators and election officials. Insecurity also severely limited freedom of movement and constrained the freedom of expression of candidates and supporters, hampering their ability to campaign openly in public gatherings and canvass door-to-door throughout their constituencies. These restrictions in turn created significant limitations on freedom of association and peaceful assembly. 48. Shortcomings in the vetting mechanism led to perceptions that some candidates with suspected links to armed groups were not excluded from the final candidates list. In addition, the weak system of administration of justice prevented many candidates, believed to be responsible for serious crimes, from being investigated and prosecuted. 49. Election day was marred by the highest number of recorded security incidents (300) in any single day for some 15 years. These included rocket attacks in the vicinity of polling centres and against nearby ANSF checkpoints, IEDs, small-scale armed clashes and standoff attacks that were reported in the south, south-east and certain parts of the central and 12 GE.10-10230