A significant part of ELECT’s work involves assisting and advising the principal electoral bodies, namely, the Afghanistan Independent Election Commission (IEC), the Electoral Complaints Commission (ECC), and the Electoral Media Commission. UNV volunteers are at the forefront of these efforts. (UNAMA)

Testing resolve but building rapport

Eastern Afghanistan: Every few days, UNV volunteer Azita dons her headscarf and heads out to the Afghan provinces. “When I leave for work in the morning, it’s already 31-32 degrees out,” she comments. Read

There were 55 UNV volunteers assigned to UNDP/ELECT, half of whom are working as Electoral Outreach and Training Advisers in the regions and provinces. (UNAMA)

Wearing an Afghan’s shoes

Northern Afghanistan: “Things worked differently in other countries I have worked in,” says Tuch, a UNV volunteer Electoral Adviser. “Here you have to find new ways to work with people. You need to put yourself in their shoes.” Read

Applicants for civic education positions for Presidential and Provincial Council Elections in Afghanistan attending written interviews at the provincial office compound. (UNV)

‘In the co-driver’s seat’ for Afghan democracy

Western Afghanistan: “This time,” says Shiringi, a UNV volunteer working with UNDP/ELECT supporting the Independent Election Commission, “we are in the co-driver’s seat. The work we are doing with our national counterparts is really building capacity for the future.” Read

The 20 August 2009 elections in Afghanistan are supported by the international community via UNDP/ELECT. (UNAMA)

Engaging everyone in Afghanistan’s elections

Northern Afghanistan: “I am still moved to see people travelling for miles to queue for a registration card and participate in elections,” confesses Jetiti, a UNV volunteer in a region of Afghanistan where security concerns have recently increased significantly. Read