13:38
11.6.2014
And Ashraf Ghani is not alone. Songs have also been dedicated to Abdullah Abdullah. This is a recent one from well-known Afghan musician, Waheed Qasimi.
13:30
11.6.2014
Election Tunes
A song, in Dari, dedicated to Ashraf Ghani. 'Our choice is Ashraf Ghani."
A song, in Dari, dedicated to Ashraf Ghani. 'Our choice is Ashraf Ghani."
13:11
11.6.2014
Interesting to look back at the "lessons learned" from women's participation in the 2009 presidential election.
The United Nations Development Fund for Women wrote up a report identifying problems and providing suggested solutions in a report titled "One Step Forward, Two Steps Back?"
The report can be found on the Independent Election Commission of Afghanistan's website, on a page specifically dedicated to "Women and the Vote."
It's a long read, but contains some interesting conclusions and suggestions that we will boil down a bit.
Identified areas of concern:
Some suggested solutions:
The United Nations Development Fund for Women wrote up a report identifying problems and providing suggested solutions in a report titled "One Step Forward, Two Steps Back?"
The report can be found on the Independent Election Commission of Afghanistan's website, on a page specifically dedicated to "Women and the Vote."
It's a long read, but contains some interesting conclusions and suggestions that we will boil down a bit.
Identified areas of concern:
Fraud and other irregularities. The most severe cases of inflated women's voter registrations were seen in areas where they would be least likely to vote, such as Paktia and Khost provinces.
Decrease in women’s participation. Just 38 percent of women voted in 2009, compared to 44 percent in the 2004 presidential election.
Targeted violence and gendered insecurity. "Cultural expectations dictate that Afghan women remain in the home and out of public spaces ... insecurity is often used as a further argument for reinforcing control over women."
Cultural constraints. Noting that women’s literacy rates stood at 21.9 percent, concerns were expressed concern that women experienced difficultly in negotiating the ballot, and often requested help.
Decrease in women’s participation. Just 38 percent of women voted in 2009, compared to 44 percent in the 2004 presidential election.
Targeted violence and gendered insecurity. "Cultural expectations dictate that Afghan women remain in the home and out of public spaces ... insecurity is often used as a further argument for reinforcing control over women."
Cultural constraints. Noting that women’s literacy rates stood at 21.9 percent, concerns were expressed concern that women experienced difficultly in negotiating the ballot, and often requested help.
Some suggested solutions:
- Expand targeted public outreach on “one person, one vote” standards and women’s right to political participation via mass media and through community gatekeepers such as religious figures.
- Mandatory standard curriculum instituted by the Ministry of Education for all secondary students and adult literacy classes.
- Partnerships with formal and informal networks should be tapped to access women, especially those confined to their homes and/or in remote areas of the country.
12:29
11.6.2014
The Afghan Electoral Complaints Commission’s spokesman Nadir Mohseni told ToloNews that Abdullah and Ghani would face legal action if they violated election rules.
“Our suggestion to the presidential candidates is to respect the election rules and regulations during the silent period, because we will closely monitor the silent period, and those who violate the silent period will be dealt with swiftly."
“Our suggestion to the presidential candidates is to respect the election rules and regulations during the silent period, because we will closely monitor the silent period, and those who violate the silent period will be dealt with swiftly."
12:24
11.6.2014
Campaigning Nears End
Campaigning will be permitted until midnight. But as happened in the first round, the candidates sent thousands of campaign texts long after the deadline had passed. That ended with fines for several candidates.
The IEC has warned candidates that any infringement of election rules will see them face hefty fines and other "punishments." The media have also been told to refrain from covering the campaign after midnight.
Campaigning will be permitted until midnight. But as happened in the first round, the candidates sent thousands of campaign texts long after the deadline had passed. That ended with fines for several candidates.
The IEC has warned candidates that any infringement of election rules will see them face hefty fines and other "punishments." The media have also been told to refrain from covering the campaign after midnight.
12:15
11.6.2014
Ballot papers
One of the biggest criticisms of the first round election was that there were not enough ballot papers to meet demand. Tens of thousands of Afghans were turned away and left disappointed. At the time, election officials handed each polling station only 600 ballots - a measure against electoral fraud and ballot-box stuffing.
According to reports, there were ballot shortages in as many as 15 of the country's 34 provinces. There were even shortages in Kabul.
Now, it seems the IEC is trying to rectify that by giving polling stations more ballot papers.
One of the biggest criticisms of the first round election was that there were not enough ballot papers to meet demand. Tens of thousands of Afghans were turned away and left disappointed. At the time, election officials handed each polling station only 600 ballots - a measure against electoral fraud and ballot-box stuffing.
According to reports, there were ballot shortages in as many as 15 of the country's 34 provinces. There were even shortages in Kabul.
Now, it seems the IEC is trying to rectify that by giving polling stations more ballot papers.
11:24
11.6.2014
Endorsements
Radio Free Afghanistan reports:
Mohammad Ali Nabizada, Qutbuddin Helal’s second vice-president running mate in the first round election, announced his support for Abdullah in a press conference in Kabul today.
“If the economic initiatives of Abdullah Abdullah's team are implemented, Afghanistan will be one of the richest countries in Asia. 99 percent of the team announces its endorsement of Dr. Abdullah.”
Radio Free Afghanistan reports:
Mohammad Ali Nabizada, Qutbuddin Helal’s second vice-president running mate in the first round election, announced his support for Abdullah in a press conference in Kabul today.
“If the economic initiatives of Abdullah Abdullah's team are implemented, Afghanistan will be one of the richest countries in Asia. 99 percent of the team announces its endorsement of Dr. Abdullah.”
11:19
11.6.2014
First Rain, Now Heat
Afghans had to brave torrential rains in the first round election. This time around, it seems they will have to brave the heat. Weather forecasts say it will reach 38 °C on election day.
Afghans had to brave torrential rains in the first round election. This time around, it seems they will have to brave the heat. Weather forecasts say it will reach 38 °C on election day.
10:38
11.6.2014
10:32
11.6.2014