Only 422 Afghan women register as candidates for district council election

Only 422 women have registered themselves as candidates for the upcoming district council election, around half the number of seats available, according to the Independent Election Commission, 1TV reported.
The total number of seats allocated for district council election is 2,427, of which 819 are allocated for women.
In 135 districts, not a single woman has registered herself as candidate for the vote.
Syed Hafizullah Hashimi, a commissioner of IEC, expressed concern over the issue, adding efforts were underway to resolve the problem.
Election watchdogs said that criteria of holding high school diploma, security problem and ambiguity on privileges of members of district council were main reasons behind lack of interest among women to sign up as candidates.
It will be the first time Afghanistan hold district council election. It will be held together with parliamentary vote on October 20.
District council has major role to play in events such as holding Loya Jirga for amendment of the Constitution.
Additionally, one-third of Senate members come from district councils.