Residents in more than half of Badakhshan's 22 districts might not have access to polling centres in the upcoming elections on April 5th due to weather conditions warned provincial governor, Shah Wali Adeb, who added that transportation infrastructure remains a critical challenge in the remote Afghan province.
"It would be very difficult for people to go to the polling booths as the roads would not be accessible due to snow. It is estimated that roads of 13 districts would be closed," said Mr. Adib.
Badakshan has a population of about one million people, but if 13 districts are entirely cut off from the voting process, the poll results coming out of the province on election day may seriously under represent the full spectrum of eligible voters.
Mr. Adeb said that even though voter registration offices have opened in 27 districts of the province, many documented residents have yet to receive their voter cards. A number of Badakhshan MPs expressed particular concerns over low female turn out during the voter registration process.
Several MPs have urged the government to launch awareness programmes to encourage Badakhshan residents to take initiative so that they may participate in the elections.
"A number of residents have not received their voting cards, especially women, and it could affect the election results. Programmes should be started in order to create awareness and draw the attention of the people toward the upcoming elections," said MP Nelofar Abrahimi.
Local Badakshan officials also expressed their concerns with the lack of security in the Tagab, Jurm and Wardoj districts, where insurgents have frequently targeted security forces. They said the areas' instability could also dissuade residents from participating in the elections.
In light of this, Badakhshan officials asked the Ministry of Interior (MoI) and Ministry of Defense (MoD) to deploy more forces to the three troubled districts.