FEFA alleges anomalies in voter registration

KABUL): An independent election watchdog on Wednesday alleged brazen irregularities in the ongoing voter registration process ahead of the 2014 polls.

As part of preparations for next year’s presidential and provincial council elections, the second phase of the registration process is being conducted at the district level.

The first phase at the provincial capital level was launched on May 26. The IEC has planned programmes to inform people about voter registration and other preparatory measures.

In a report, the Free and Fair Election Foundation of Afghanistan (FEFA) said insecurity in several provinces was directly affecting the registration of voters.

Four blasts near a voter registration centre in southeastern Paktia province illustrated the insecure environment, according to FEFA. As a result, the centre had to be closed for a day. A similar incident transpired in Farah as well.  

By the same token, the foundation said, the insurgents had spread propaganda in Zabul and Paktika provinces that voter registration was in conflict with Islamic teachings.

Registration centre workers in Kabul, Faryab, Ghazni, Ghor were allegedly denied voter cards.

Prospective provincial council candidates in Balkh were accused of coercing schoolchildren as well as teacher training college students into registering themselves as voters.

The students were warned they could be barred from appearing in exams if they stayed away from the registration process, the report claimed.

Similar anomalies in Herat, Zabul, Parwan, Jawzjan and Baghlan have led to depriving eligible citizens of receiving voter cards. In some instances, sensitive election materials were not sealed.  

In Kabul, Nimroz, Badghis and Zabul, underage individuals were issued with voter cards, said the report, which continued one public representative from Nimroz threatened FEFA monitor with dire consequences.

Registration centres for women in some provinces are located at inappropriate places, where females feel insecure, according to FEFA.

mud

Visits: 1