AFGHAN VOTER REGISTRATION

UNCLAS KABUL 001970 STATE FOR SCA/FO RBOUCHER PMOON USAID FOR ASIA/AA MWARD SENSITIVE SIPDIS E.O. 12958: N/A TAGS: PREL KDEM EAID UNDP SUBJECT: AFGHAN VOTER REGISTRATION ¶1. (SBU) The Afghan voter registration process is moving forward. The Independent Election Commission (IEC) presented its operational plan and budget to donors, who responded positively; commitments received cover the total proposed budget of $101.5 million (led by the USG's $65 million and with additional contributions from Great Britain, Germany, Canada, Norway and Sweden). The registration process is planned in four phases starting October 6 (with those areas expected to be most affected by winter snows addressed first) and procurement of materials, recruitment of registration staff, training, and public outreach/information campaigns are ready, pending signing of a USAID/UNDP agreement to obligate funds. UNDP was selected by UNAMA to manage the registration process, and they did this successfully in 2005 (though with administrative and financial management weaknesses that have now been addressed). It is urgent that this program move forward as quickly and effectively as possible to permit elections to proceed on schedule. ¶2. (SBU) UNDP has submitted to USAID a program budget and work plan for the registration effort: we have reviewed them and found them satisfactory. In addition, USAID and UNDP have agreed to include additional measures to provide close and effective oversight of the program to ensure sound management. Both UNDP and USAID are anxious to proceed quickly, to meet urgent procurement timelines necessary to keep the elections time-table on track. ¶3. (SBU) Post will proceed to sign the agreement with UNDP and will work closely with them to support and implement this presidential-priority program. WOOD