10:29
5.4.2014
10:36
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.
10:37
5.4.2014
From our news desk, statements from the two frontrunners.
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."
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."
10:38
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
10:39
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
10:39
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.
10:43
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
10:57
5.4.2014
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