A number of Afghanistan residents and members of parliament on Saturday said stamping original ID cards is one of the reasons for the low voter registration turnout. 

Members of the public said they are worried about their safety if their original ID cards are stamped by the Independent Election Commission (IEC). They said the IEC should not stamp their IDs. 

“This is a big concern, not only to one tribe, but it is a concern to all residents. Those who live in insecure areas, they cannot have their IDs stamped,” MP Nazir Ahmadzai said. 

In the meantime, Taliban has told TOLOnews that the elections is deceiving people and that they will use all options available to stop all elections-related processes. 

“Insurgents know the stamp of the IEC and if they see it in the IDs, then they know that the ID holder has participated in the elections and that it is a threat against people,” Mohibullah Saleh, a member of Logar provincial council said. 

A number of residents, however, said despite the insecurity they will vote in the upcoming elections and will register their names to become eligible to vote. 

“We will participate in the election even if we lose our life,” Tanvir, a Khost resident said. 

“Government should maintain security to help people register their names,” Sangin Khan, another resident of Khost said. 

IEC officials meanwhile said stamping voters ID cards is the only option that can ensure having a transparent election and prevent fraud in the election process.  

IEC commissioner Maliha Hassan said there is no alternative for stamping ID cards and asked the people to register their names and participate in the election process. 

According to the IEC, the voter registration process will start in districts in the next two weeks. 

“Any changes in the plan and performances, will provide the context for fraud,” said Hassan.