Many registration centers shut in Paktia amid tense security

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AT-KABUL: Amid tense security situation in Paktia province, election officials have said as many as 29 voter registration centers are no longer open.

Some voter registration centers are closed in Paktia due to security threats. In Zurmat district, only four centers are operative, said Paktia Independent Election Commission Head Mohammad Zahir Akbari, vowing to reopen some registration centers in Zurmat and other districts.

Paktia governor Shamim Khan Katawazi said voter registration process had ceased in Zurmat district. “We have however reopened four centers in that district, as registration process faces no hindrance in other parts of Paktia,” he said, underscoring the need for clampdown offensives and military operations to rid Paktia of militants and to maintain security for voter registration process and upcoming parliamentary election.

More than 48,000 people, according to IEC statistics, have registered to vote in Paktia since the start of the process last month. Meanwhile, people’s turnout in voter registration process in Paktia, according to residents, is low because of constant security threats.

Residents say there are security threats that keep impeding public participation in the voter registration process. They are calling for stringent military action to do away with security threats and ensure a safe participation of people in the process.