Baghlan IEC struggling with female polling staff

PUL-I-KHUMRI (Pajhwok): The Independent Election Commission (IEC polling stations could be appointed so far in the province.

Abdul Qahir Wahab Safi, IEC head for Baghlan, told in a gathering regarding women’s participation in the upcoming elections, that there would be 214 polling centers encompassing 860 polling sites, of which 360 sites had been allocated for women.

He said 1800 female workers were required for the 360 sites but so far 950 women had been recruited as no one appeared to be recruited in remote areas.

Provincial Women’s Affairs Director Khadiji Yaqeen said despite insecurity concerns, women’s participation in the election process remained satisfactory, but no presence of female workers in remote areas would negatively impact women’s turnout.

Yaqeen said:“Today you are informing us about this issue, had the IEC told us before, it would have avoided this problem. But still we will try to resolve the issue of female workers.”

Meanwhile, Rahila Faqeeri, a Wolesi Jirga candidate from Baghlan province, said the IEC had delayed the recruitment of female staff.

She said women would not go to polling stations where only men staff was appointed, and thus it would affect female voters’ turnout.

pk/ma

Visits: 0