(MENAFN- Pajhwok Afghan News) KABUL (Pajhwok): Paper identity cards were distributed to 160,000 people during a month time (March 21 to April 20) while 189,000 registered as voters in one week across the country, the Wolesi Jirga was told on Saturday.
Independent Election Commission (IEC) officials told the lower house that the attachment of a sticker to the paper ID cards of those registering as voters was being reconsidered.
The IEC launched the voter€™s registration process on April 14 ahead of Oct 20 Wolesi Jirga and district council elections.
A special program for distribution of paper ID cards has also been started for those who had not obtained the cards previously in order to get registered to vote.
The voter€™s registration process has been underway based on the paper IDs and a registered individual gets a sticker on his/her ID card as a sign of registration.
The Wolesi Jirga on Saturday summoned Population Registration Department (PRD) head Hamayon Muhtat and acting IEC secretary Shahla Haqparast to brief lawmakers about preparations for the upcoming elections, ID cards distribution, voter registration and sticker attachment.
A number of lawmakers expressed concern over what they called a sluggishness voter registration and ID cards distribution processes. They said lack of voter awareness, insecurity and consequences of stickers on ID cards were challenges the IEC faced.
Some lawmakers went on to claim that voter registration form books were sold and purchased.
ID cards distribution
Humayun Muhtat, PRD head, said that full transparency in the electoral process should not be expected in the absence of a biometric system.
He said his department was ready to distribute ID cards to 10 million people eligible for vote in coordination with the IEC.
According to Muhtat, 30 million people had received ID cards over the last 45 years. The ID cards distribution process is underway and so far 235,000 people have obtained the paper cards during the past three months across the country.
He said 153,000 officers had been tasked by PRD across the country for distribution of ID cards. Ten million people would be issued the cards over the next six months.
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