ADRASKAN – For upcoming parliamentary and district elections to be credible and successful, every Afghan must play their part, stressed participants of a UN-backed forum in the rural district of Adraskan in the western province of Herat.

Led by Adraskan District Governor, Sayed Mohammad Chishti, district authorities and tribal elders; community members discussed their roles as a community in the upcoming elections and appealed to Afghans to contribute what they can to the success of the poll. Participants said that the forthcoming elections were an opportunity to choose leaders and representatives to bring needed development to their district.

“Residents of Adrakan want the elections to be successful because this is an opportunity for them to raise their voices,” said Governor Chishti, adding that community members alongside local authorities are, alongside others, urging eligible voters to register, especially women and young people. Chishti said that his district lacks necessary infrastructure, is in a state of neglect and that the communities regard the elections as one of the means to bring economic development.

Afghanistan commenced the voter registration process on 14 April for the upcoming parliamentary and district elections scheduled for October 2018.

There are calls from different stakeholders to improve the management, participation, and credibility of the elections by among others improving the general security, conducting voter education and providing information to the public, especially to rural areas, on the electoral process.

The UN, together with other international organizations, have stated their support to Afghanistan’s electoral process and have said that the success and credibility of elections lie not just with the electoral body, but is a collective responsibility of all stakeholders, including political parties, media, civil society, political leaders, and voters.

Supported by UNAMA regional office in Herat, the community forum was part of a country-wide outreach initiative aimed at creating platforms for local communities to engage in dialogue on critical issues.