KABUL - The Independent Election Commission (IEC) on Wednesday said the registration of voters was on the increase, with 76,000, including 18,450 women, documented over the last four days.
Syed HafizullahHashimi, an IEC member, told Pajhwok Afghan News airing negative views about the voter registration process was against the national interest. He called for avoiding such statements.
“The number of people joining in the voter registration process is increasing with each passing day. Our recent figures show 76,000 people, including 18,450 women and 1,250 nomads, have been registered over the last four days,” he said.
He added that tribal elders and security organs had assured the commission that powerful individuals would not be allowed to interfere in or rig the elections.
The voter registration process began five days ago. The president and the chief executive officer (CEO) registered on the day first, urging the public to participate in the process.
CEO Dr. Abdullah noted the participation of voters, particularly women, was limited. He stressed the need for conducting programmes to encouragevoter registration.
On the other hand, election institutes are concerned about possible fraud in the upcoming polls.
NaeemAyubzada, head of Transparent Election Foundation of Afghanistan (TEFA), said fair and inclusive polls depended on cooperation among stakeholders.
“If we leave all work to the IEC or if political outfits and observers don’t cooperate, I don’t think the elections will be be held in a transparent manner,” he said.
“We are worried about widespread fraud in the database, ghost polling stations, interference of strongmen and lack of security for the election process,” he commented.
On the other hand, Free and Fair Election Foundation of Afghanistan (FEFA)Chief Executive Yousuf Rashid listed insecurity and powerful figures as issues of concern.
He said it was clear to all that many polling stations were located in areas out of government control. Hundreds of such centres are situated in areas under high security threat, something that may curtail public participation in the polls.
The long-delayed Wolesi Jirga and district council elections are scheduled for October 20. (Pajhwok)