AFGHANISTAN

Contributing a Voice; Voter Education Campaigns        

          
 Introduction 

Afghanistan has a total population of about 33 million. Going by the 15% estimate laid down by WHO, the population with a disability is estimated at 5 million. Afghanistan ratified the Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities on 18 September, 2012.

The democracy and the electoral processes have evolved in Afghanistan in recent past in a sustained manner. The Joint Electoral Management Body followed by the Independent Election Commission, despite the challenges before them, have initiated the voter education process in Afghanistan with the help of  international organizations such as IFES, UNDP etc besides the in house activities. Separate Media Commission under the IEC has been established under the law to ensure fair access to the public mass media. 

Voter Education

Voter education campaign has been carried out by the EMB in Afghanistan through posters and leaflets.The Posters, some of which are discussed as follows, convey a focused message of encouragement to different categories of voters including PwD’s for participation in the electoral process 

Contributing a Voice

The poster illustration shown below is part of a voter education presentation that was used to explain as to how a successful vote leads to an elected official joining Afghanistan's government. It was produced by the Joint Electoral Management Body (JEMB) and supported by the United Nations Office for Project Services (UNOPS) and the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) for the 2005 election.

Voting on Election Day

The inclusive illustration shown below was part of a series of voter education posters produced by the IEC, Afghanistan to support understanding of voting procedures and encourages the PwD’s also before the Election.
 
Registered voters 

The illustration shown above was part of a series of voter education posters produced by the IEC. It explains as to how to register as a voter before the election in simple yet effective manner. Emphasis on accessible election is also projected in the poster.

( Source; Independent Election Commission of Afghanistan)