11:58
5.4.2014
Each candidate is also given an identifying symbol to assist voters who are unable to read. Only 39 percent of Afghanistan's adult population is literate (Frud Bezhan wrote about the symbols here).
12:04
5.4.2014
An RFE/RL Afghan Service reporter in Sar-e-Pul in Afghanistan's North, where there is apparently heavy rain, says voting centers are crowded anyway. He says people are celebrating as if it is Norouz.
"It seems like a festival. People are out in colorful outfits. Everyone looks happy."
-- Frud Bezhan and Freshta Jalalzai
"It seems like a festival. People are out in colorful outfits. Everyone looks happy."
-- Frud Bezhan and Freshta Jalalzai
12:08
5.4.2014
Noor Mohmad, the spokesman for Afghanistan's Independent Elections Commission, tells our Afghan Service that no irregularities have been reported in Kabul so far. Of the 557 voting centers, 45% are for women voters.
12:12
5.4.2014
12:18
5.4.2014
Kevin Sieff, the Kabul Bureau chief for the "Washington Post," contrasts Kabul and Wardak, located in central Afghanistan. He says four election observers have been arrested there for fraud.
12:20
5.4.2014
According to the Afghan Interior Ministry, six people have been arrested on suspicion of ballot stuffing in Kandahar, Wardak, and Kabul provinces. Those arrested include a police officer and an officer of the National Directorate of Security, the country’s spy agency. -- Frud Bezhan
12:25
5.4.2014
A reporter for the "Guardian" newspaper. It was originally reported that four had been wounded.
12:32
5.4.2014
From our news desk, statements from the two frontrunners.
Ashraf Ghani, after casting his ballot:
Abdullah Abdullah, as he exited a polling station:
Ashraf Ghani, after casting his ballot:
"The people of Afghanistan give a clear message to the enemies of this country by taking part in the election. So no threats, no risks, can stop our intentions."
Abdullah Abdullah, as he exited a polling station:
"I hope that the people of Afghanistan cast their votes for their candidates of choice in a peaceful situation. Today's event can be the beginning of the democratic process in the history of Afghanistan and one step forward toward a better future."
12:43
5.4.2014
An RFE/RL Afghan Service reporter in Kabul says in visits to four polling stations this morning she saw no independent observers.
Voter fraud is a huge concern. In 2009, over a million votes were ruled ineligible due to fraud. This year, there are at least 7 million more voter cards than there are people eligible to vote -- presenting a major opportunity for fraud.
Voter fraud is a huge concern. In 2009, over a million votes were ruled ineligible due to fraud. This year, there are at least 7 million more voter cards than there are people eligible to vote -- presenting a major opportunity for fraud.
13:11
5.4.2014
Women voters with children report problems
An RFE/RL Afghan Service reporter in Kabul says that a group of women voters told her that election officials berated them for bringing their children to the the ballot stations. The women say that in order to vote they have to bring their kids.
An RFE/RL Afghan Service reporter in Kabul says that a group of women voters told her that election officials berated them for bringing their children to the the ballot stations. The women say that in order to vote they have to bring their kids.