Afghanistan Plans National Electronic ID Cards

Information and Technology Minister Amirzai Sangin (file photo)

The Afghan government has unveiled plans for a $100 million electronic identification system, with cards to be issued to all Afghans within five years.

A chip in the wallet-size identification cards will hold a driver's license, vehicle registration, signature, and voting registration.

Minister for Communication and Information Technology Amirzai Sangin told a news conference that the new system would aid fairer, more transparent and efficient elections.

He said the need for proper identification was a "very urgent matter" in Afghanistan.

Reuters