UN Afghan Envoy Optimistic About Voter Registration

KABUL -- UN special envoy to Afghanistan Kai Eide has said in Kabul that he is optimistic about public participation in the voter registration process for the country's presidential election later this year.

Eide said that in the last three months more than 3.4 million people have received voting cards. The election is expected to take place in the fall.

At the same time, Afghan Independent Election Commission head Azizulah Ludin is appealing for greater involvement and increased financial aid from the international community as Afghanistan prepares for the election.

Ludin told RFE/RL's Radio Free Afghanistan that he is concerned about potential scandals that could undermine the election's credibility.

UN officials in Kabul say that they have had comprehensive discussions with officials from "donor countries" to Afghanistan stressing their needs.