LASHKAR GAH, Afghanistan, Oct. 17 (Xinhua) -- A powerful blast rocked the campaign office of a leading candidate for parliamentary elections, Abdul Jabbar Qahraman in Afghanistan's southern Helmand's provincial capital Lashkar Gah on Wednesday, injuring eight people, spokesman for provincial government Omar Zawak said.

Afghan parliamentary elections are slated for Saturday and more than 2,500 candidates are contesting the 249 seats of the Wolesi Jirga or Lower House of Afghan parliament.?