For Immediate Release
October 8, 2004

Voter Registration Spreads to Remote Afghan Populations

Despite daunting challenges, even people living in the most remote areas of Afghanistan have been able to register to vote in Saturday's first direct presidential election ever held in Afghanistan. Election officials were particularly challenged by the task of locating and registering the Kuchies -- nomadic farmers who are scattered in remote areas of the Afghan countryside. To solve the problem, the officials recruited 51 Kuchies Provincial Liaison Officers and 204 civic educators from among various populations of Kuchies. These dedicated teams worked throughout the countryside and registered more than 200,000 Kuchies. Rugged terrain and a lack of permanent addresses will not prevent these Afghans from taking part in Saturday's historic demonstration of democracy.

Source: Afghan Joint Electoral Management Body