11:33
5.4.2014
11:33
5.4.2014
11:32
5.4.2014
From RFE/RL Correspondent in Kabul
Security is extremely tight in Kabul. Thousands of police, soldiers and plain dressed intelligence officers are patrolling the streets. There are security checkpoints every few hundred meters. Snipers can be seen on rooftops and some troops have been armed with rocket propelled grenades.
There have been no major security incidents in Kabul. There have been reports of Taliban attacks in several southern and eastern provinces but with no reports of casualties. Six Taliban militants have been killed in Zabul and Kapisa provinces while trying to plant roadside bombs.
Early indications are that voter turnout will be much higher compared to the 2009 election when only 1/3 of eligible voters cast their ballots. In Kabul thousands have braved the rain, long lines and the threat of possible attacks to vote.
Voter turnout has been so high in some polling stations across the country that they have run out of ballot papers. In a movement to prevent fraud and ballot stuffing each polling station is limited to only 600 ballots. There has also been a sharp increase in the number of women voters, especially in the country's north.
It didn't take long before reports emerged of alleged ballot stuffing. 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 several policemen and an officer working for the National Directorate of Security -- the country's spy agency. Reports have also surfaced about voters being coerced and bullied by security forces into voting for certain candidates, although the names of those candidates have not been revealed.
Frud Bezhan
Security is extremely tight in Kabul. Thousands of police, soldiers and plain dressed intelligence officers are patrolling the streets. There are security checkpoints every few hundred meters. Snipers can be seen on rooftops and some troops have been armed with rocket propelled grenades.
There have been no major security incidents in Kabul. There have been reports of Taliban attacks in several southern and eastern provinces but with no reports of casualties. Six Taliban militants have been killed in Zabul and Kapisa provinces while trying to plant roadside bombs.
Early indications are that voter turnout will be much higher compared to the 2009 election when only 1/3 of eligible voters cast their ballots. In Kabul thousands have braved the rain, long lines and the threat of possible attacks to vote.
Voter turnout has been so high in some polling stations across the country that they have run out of ballot papers. In a movement to prevent fraud and ballot stuffing each polling station is limited to only 600 ballots. There has also been a sharp increase in the number of women voters, especially in the country's north.
It didn't take long before reports emerged of alleged ballot stuffing. 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 several policemen and an officer working for the National Directorate of Security -- the country's spy agency. Reports have also surfaced about voters being coerced and bullied by security forces into voting for certain candidates, although the names of those candidates have not been revealed.
Frud Bezhan
11:16
5.4.2014
The Afghan Election Commission estimates that 3.8 million people have voted so far.
11:10
5.4.2014
Sidiq Sidiqi, spokesman for the Afghan Ministry of Interior, says at least 12 suspected militants have been arrested in Kabul in the last 24 hours.
11:07
5.4.2014
Women voters with children report problems
A Radio Free Afghanistan 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.
A Radio Free Afghanistan 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.
11:02
5.4.2014
Few Attacks On Election Day So Far
-- A bomb blast close to a polling station in southeastern Logar province killed two and injured five more. But polling continues.
-- In Parwan the Taliban targeted a polling station with mortar fire but no casualties reported.
-- In the northern province of Faryab, police arrested a suicide bomber before he could detonate his explosive vest, according to the Afghan interior ministry.
From Radio Free Afghanistan Correspondents
-- A bomb blast close to a polling station in southeastern Logar province killed two and injured five more. But polling continues.
-- In Parwan the Taliban targeted a polling station with mortar fire but no casualties reported.
-- In the northern province of Faryab, police arrested a suicide bomber before he could detonate his explosive vest, according to the Afghan interior ministry.
From Radio Free Afghanistan Correspondents
10:57
5.4.2014
10:53
5.4.2014
Some Complaints Reported By Radio Free Afghanistan
People in eastern Paktia province told Radio Azadi reporter that warlords have forced people to vote for their favorite candidate.
Some voting centers, which were supposed to be open in the southeastern Logar province today, are reportedly closed.
People in Kabul told Radio Azadi that voting started later than planned in some voting centers.
In Taloqan, the capital city of northeastern Takhar province, more women voters are casting ballots compared to men.
Turn out in today’s elections in Afghanistan is unprecedented in the country.
-- Omid Marazban
People in eastern Paktia province told Radio Azadi reporter that warlords have forced people to vote for their favorite candidate.
Some voting centers, which were supposed to be open in the southeastern Logar province today, are reportedly closed.
People in Kabul told Radio Azadi that voting started later than planned in some voting centers.
In Taloqan, the capital city of northeastern Takhar province, more women voters are casting ballots compared to men.
Turn out in today’s elections in Afghanistan is unprecedented in the country.
-- Omid Marazban
10:43
5.4.2014