IEC SHOWS VOTER REGISTRATION PROCESS TO THE PRESS

UNCLAS KABUL 002221 SENSITIVE SIPDIS STATE FOR SCA/FO, SCA/A, S/CRS STATE PASS TO USAID FOR AID/ANE, AID/DCHA/DG NSC FOR JWOOD OSD FOR SHIVERS CG CJTF-82, POLAD, JICCENT E.O. 12958: N/A TAGS: KDEM PGOV AF SUBJECT: IEC SHOWS VOTER REGISTRATION PROCESS TO THE PRESS ¶1. (SBU) The Independent Elections Commission (IEC) on August 16 hosted a press conference on its plans for voter registration. Independent Ariana TV provided the most substantial coverage, including footage of the IEC's demonstration of "average" Afghans registering to vote. RTA television station also broadcast the event. ¶2. (SBU) The IEC's Chief Technical Officer Dr. Najafi used his remarks to delineate the role of the IEC, as well as to provide detailed information on the phases and process of voter registration. Najafi noted that the IEC has a mandate to make technical decisions on elections, but not political decisions. ¶3. (SBU) The demonstration of registration was smooth and the IEC's video of it likely will prove an effective voter outreach tool. Five IEC staff played the roles of registration center workers, three were political observers, and seven were model voters. The process is in two steps. One center worker questions the voter to establish eligbility to register, then takes the photos. Next, a second worker questions the voter to gather information to complete the registration form, then prepares the laminated card containing the photo and a fingerprint. The center's director handles voters who lack proof of identity or present other difficulties. The first "voter" received his registration card in 13 minutes, including the time required to print the photos. WOOD