Political parties call for inclusive, nationwide polls

KABUL (SW) – Representatives of a number of political parties on Saturday called for inclusive and nation-wide Wolesi Jirga (lower house) elections.

The statement issued by the parties warned results would not be accepted if biometric technology for voters’ verification is not used across the country. It added the online version of verification should be used as offline version would not help remove fake and fraudulent votes. They also called for monitoring of the process by the political parties.

Noor Rehman Ikhlaqi, member of the Jamiat-e-Islami party, said many citizens are left out of the voter registration process due to alleged corruption therefore opportunities should be created for all citizens to take part in the process.

Humayun Jarer, member of the Hezb-e-Islami party, stressed the biometric system should prove to counter fraud and rigging in the forthcoming polls.

The political parties have demanded to register biometric details of all ten fingers from candidates who might not like to have their pictures taken for the process. They also urged the government to share details about the cost of the biometric devices.

ENDS