PUL-I-ALM (Pajhwok): Locals complained on Saturday the voter registration centre had been closed in the capital of central Logar province, but officials pledged the centre would reopen on Sunday (tomorrow).
Residents of Pul-i-Alam said people from far-flung areas were coming to get their cards but the centre had been closed for the last several days.
Mohammad Ishaq told Pajhwok Afghan News he had been waiting since morning in front of the registration centre, but the office was still shut.
By closing the office, the Independent Election Commission (IEC) has trampled the right of hundreds of Logaris, who may be deprived of taking part in the elections.
Zabihullah, another resident complained the voter’s registration office had been closed and police did not allow people to get closer to the office.
Wishing not to be named, a police official on duty said: “Several groups are coming to get their cards but the office is closed for the last three days.”
Dr. Niamatullah Wardak, provincial IEC director, confirmed the voters’ registration centre had been closed.
“We have only one voters’ registration centre in Logar, which has to be closed because its officials are busy disbursing voters’ cards among soldiers of 203 thunder cops,” he noted.
He said the centre would resume work from tomorrow in the provincial capital as the registration process of soldiers would be completed today.
Dr. Abdul Wakil, provincial council candidate, said any delay in disbursing voters’ cards among people would leave negative impact on the election process.
The government, he said should work out a comprehensive plan to set up a separate voters’ centre for soldiers.
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