FAIZABAD (SW): With a clear vision to strengthen democracy at the lower-level of society, the Naushakh Development and Coordination Organization (NDCO) in Badakhshan is encouraging masses towards polls.
Across the country, the previous bitter experiences of troubled elections, lack of awareness and low turn-outs have disheartened many people over the electoral process. This situation required mass mobilization and development of positive mindset.
Though, many such efforts have been made in this regard, but low turn-out for the voter registration drive indicates the failure of these efforts.
Mohammad Hussain Elahi, local civil society activist and member of NDCO working group, informed Salam Watandar the main purpose of this drive is to inform people about their democratic rights and educate them about their responsibilities towards voter registration. He stressed the importance of enlightenment in the society.
Another member of NDCO, Naseema, said women’s participation is particularly low in the electoral process. This is why this campaign is trying hard to encourage more and more eligible female voters to take part in this process.
According to Ahmad Iqbal Behdad, another member of the NDCO, the group has been educating locals about democratic processes such as good governance, electoral matters and others for the past year-and-half. But, the low turn-out in voter registration drive compelled them to launch the fresh drive.
He stressed such efforts are crucial in ensuring credible and all-inclusive elections in the country.
ENDS
