Kabul, March 10 (IANS): The Taliban have pledged to target the upcoming presidential election before April 5.

"We have given orders to all our Mujahideen to use all force at their disposal to disrupt these upcoming sham elections and target all workers, activists, callers, security apparatus and offices," The News International quoted the Taliban as stating in an emailed statement.

"We once again call on all of our countrymen to keep away from electoral offices, voting booths, rallies and campaigns so that, may Allah forbid, their lives are not put into danger. If anyone still persist in participating then they are solely responsible for any loss in the future," it added.

Previous elections in Afghanistan have also been characterised by violence. At least 31 civilians and 26 soldiers and police personnel were killed on polling day alone in 2009 as the millitants displayed their opposition to the US-backed polls, reported the daily.

By the end of 2014, NATO combat troops will finally withdraw from Afghanistan after fighting continuously for 13 years since the ouster of the Taliban from power after the 9/11 attacks in the US.