30 June 2010 - About 50 staff members, including women, of Afghanistan’s Independent Election Commission (IEC) began registering voters in the country’s east for the parliamentary elections to be held in September.

Sulimanzai, Head of the Eastern Regional Election Coordination unit, said “nine teams of the IEC have been assigned for voter registration in the eastern provinces.”

A total of 274 candidates – 62 from Laghman, 27 from Kunar, 20 from Nuristan and 165 from Nangarhar, including females and kuchis – are contesting for 24 Lower House seats allocated for the four eastern provinces.

Dr Ahmad Wali Amin, 32, an electoral officer, said three teams have been deployed to Jalalabad to issue voter registration cards.

“More than 200 voters are being registered on a daily basis in Jalalabad. The voter registration will continue until 12 August 2010,” added Dr Amin.

The IEC’s public outreach officers are using multiple resources to make the public aware of the commencement of voter registration, which is an opportunity for new voters or those who have moved to new areas or lost documents to be registered and enfranchised to cast their ballot.

“Our messages and spots are being broadcast by local media sources and we have also sent letters to local officials in the districts to convey these messages to the people through tribal elders and local councils,” added Ruhullah Mumand, Public Outreach Officer.

Jamila Sa-Adat Jabarkhil, leader of a female voter registration team in Jalalabad, who has been working for the electoral office since 2005, is one of the most experienced staff members of the IEC.

“During last few days, we have registered hundreds of female voters from different segments of the society, such as teachers, students, and government employees,” said Jamila.

Raihana Safi, 25, who recently returned to Afghanistan from Pakistan regrets she was unable to participate in the Afghan elections of the past. While standing near the voter registration desk at Bibi Zainab school, she said “this year I will enthusiastically participate in the parliamentary elections. That is why I came here today to get my voter registration card.”

Soon two teams – one female and one male – will also be assigned to register voters in prisons.

The elections are scheduled to be held on 18 September.

The Independent Electoral Commission is responsible for conducting the September parliamentary elections. The role of the United Nations is to promote and assist existing Afghan capacity. UNAMA is mandated to coordinate international electoral assistance to support the Commission and ensure operational coherence and effectiveness in the provision of electoral aid. UNDP will take the lead in coordinating activities that are essential to supporting the preparation and conduct of the electoral operations.

By Shafiqullah Waak, UNAMA