British Government Pledge Election Aid

LONDON, Feb 6 (AFP): Britain on Thursday pledged 10.6 million pounds in aid to help support the electoral process ahead of the presidential elections in August.

The funds, aimed at helping support the Independent Election Commission's operations and educating citizens as to why elections and voting are important, are in addition to six million pounds already provided by Britain.

"Our support will also help the efforts to enable and encourage women's participation in the elections and educate voters," said International Development Secretary Douglas Alexander.

"Democracy is a powerful weapon against the Taliban which is why they are so opposed to free and fair elections."