By Crispin Thorold BBC correspondent in Jalalabad

The United Nations, which is running the process, estimates over 10 million people will be eligible to vote in the poll, which is due to be held in June.

Many analysts believe the poll is critical to restore confidence in the political process.

Security has been tight at the registration sites across the country.

Karzai's forces control little territory beyond Kabul

Voter registration in Afghanistan is a Herculean task.

Mountains divide the country, and there are deserts in the south.

The United Nations plans to use mobile registration units, planes and even donkeys to reach the whole population.

But the desperate security situation in much of the south and south-east of Afghanistan has made large swathes of country off-limits to the international community.

Elders queue for cards

In recent months Taleban militants have targeted the UN.

Despite security fears, registration did begin on Monday in Jalalabad -- a predominantly Pashtun city in eastern Afghanistan.

Just one centre opened instead of the six planned.

The tribal elders from across the province queued for their electoral cards.

The United Nations hopes that the community leaders will return to their villages and encourage others to take part.

Within six months over 10 million people will have to be processed in a country still not at peace.

The chief electoral officer says his team can complete the task if, and only if, security is improved immediately.

The international community views free and fair elections as a critical component of the new Afghanistan.

If Afghans are to enjoy democracy the outside world will have to create the conditions in which it can flourish.