Insecurity: Some Helmand residents many not vote

LASHGARGAH (Pajhwok): A number of residents and civil society activists in southern Helmand province say voter turnout in the September 28 presidential elections will be low due to insecurity.

Abdul Haq Zwakman, a civil society activist in Lashkargah, the provincial capital, told Pajhwok Afghan News only seven of the 13 districts had been under government control.

He said: “The government should conduct clearing operations in restive districts because without security people would not be interested in voting in the upcoming elections.”

Mir Ahmad, a resident of Greshk district, told Pajhwok due to mismanagement in the last election, Helmand people had lost trust un the process.

He added: “If the situation remains the same until the presidential election, people won’t take part in the ballot.”

Haji Gul Agha, another resident of the provincial capital, asked the government to construct check-posts in areas captured by the security forces to facilitate participation in the elections.

A number of others residents held similar views. Security forces had retaken most parts of Nad Ali district from Taliban elections.

The district’s administrative chief also confirmed they had recaptured some parts from the militants. He urged Independent Election Commission (IEC) officials to create voting centres in those areas.

Meanwhile, Omar Zwak, the governor’s spokesman, told Pajhwok all possible measures had been taken to secure the presidential elections.

He said: “Our forces have been trying to recapture more areas from the Taliban before the election in the province.”

Zwak called on people to cooperate with the security forces and actively take part in the presidential election.

Shabir Ahmad Omaid, the IEC head for Helmand province, hoped more than 80,000 individuals would cast their votes in the presidential elections.

In Helmand, nearly 306,000 people have been registered as voters. Omaid assured no one would be allowed to interfere in the election process there.

pk/mud

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