Millionth Afghan registers to vote - UN

The one millionth Afghan to register to vote is a female Kabul University student, the United Nations Assistance Mission in Afghanistan (UNAMA) reported today.

The senior UN envoy to the country, Jean Arnault, hailed this milestone. “With the completion of the one million mark, we believe that this momentum towards the elections is going to pick up further pace,” he said. The UN estimates that 10.5 million Afghans are eligible to register.

Mr. Arnault emphasized the importance of holding free and fair elections, stressing that in order to create an environment conducive to this result, it would be necessary to continue disarming and demobilizing former fighters. Heavy weapons throughout the country must be controlled, while all political parties and candidates must enjoy a level playing field. Reconstruction and security are also essential, he added.

He said that quite apart from the electoral agenda, Afghanistan's institutions must be strengthened. “It is important for all of us to continue building up on the gains” achieved so far, he said.