QALA-I-NAW (PAN): Although the registration of female voters in western Badghis province has been carried out in a befitting manner, nearly half of them may not cast their votes in the August 20 polls for security reasons, officials said Thursday.
Halima Rahpaima, women affairs director, told Pajhwok Afghan News 46 percent of eligible women had been registered, but 50 percent of them might not vote due to security concerns in remote districts including Bala Murghab, Jawand, Qadis and Muqur.
She claimed women in rural areas and villages were being warned against exercising their right to vote. However, the director did not elaborate on the threats being hurled at women.
Aqila, a member of local development council in Muqur district said: "I have my registration card, but the Taliban are active in our village. I fear if I go to the polling station to cast my vote, I could get hurt."
She appealed to government to ensure security at the voting centers so that the women could cast their votes.
Police chief Brig. General Sayed Ahmad Sami said 163 polling centers and 512 voting booths had been established in the province. However, he said security of 40 polling stations has not yet restored.
There are 29 polling stations in Bala Murghab, six in Qadis and five in Muqur districts. The police chief said paramilitary forces would be deputed at these polling stations to deal with any untoward situation.
Sami said local people would be involved in keeping guard on the polling stations and they would be paid for it. He said the recruitment has already begun in cooperation with local elders.