Jawzjan women hold pro-election gathering

SHIBERGHAN (PAN who held a gathering in northern Jawzjan province on Thursday complained cultural restrictions barred the gender from taking part in the voter registration campaign.

Around 500 women, who had gathered in Shiberghan City, the provincial capital, said they were keen on participating in the April 5 presidential and provincial council elections for the sake of the country’s future.

Mumlikat, a teacher, said though the Independent Election Commission (IEC) was doing all it could to ensure greater participation of women in the democratic exercise, yet their role in the process remained low.

“Women should not succumb to outdated cultural barriers and should go to registration centres and obtain their voter cards,” she opined.

But a university student, Sohaila, said people in some rural and remote areas were not allowing their women to visit registration centres.

She added insecurity prevented residents of in Qush Tapa district from obtaining voter cards, asking the government to improve security there.

But election official Mohammad Salim told Pajhwok Afghan News the IEC in coordination with security organs had launched efforts to ensure women obtained their voter cards across the province. He acknowledged the registration process in 10 districts was yet to gain momentum.

On Wednesday hundreds of residents in Shiberghan took part in a procession calling on people to take part in the elections.

mds/ma