14:03
12.6.2014
United Nations
Radio Free Afghanistan reports:
The United Nations' special representative in Afghanistan, Jan Kubis, told reporters in Kabul today that the two presidential hopefuls should urge their supporters not to commmit fraud during Saturday's vote.
"The candidates should respect the work of the election management bodies. [They should] avoid jumping to conclusions as it would have a negative impact on the sentiments of Afghans."
"Give the time to the election management bodies to do their work."
"The international community is impartial. It is interested in good outcome of the elections."
Radio Free Afghanistan reports:
The United Nations' special representative in Afghanistan, Jan Kubis, told reporters in Kabul today that the two presidential hopefuls should urge their supporters not to commmit fraud during Saturday's vote.
"The candidates should respect the work of the election management bodies. [They should] avoid jumping to conclusions as it would have a negative impact on the sentiments of Afghans."
"Give the time to the election management bodies to do their work."
"The international community is impartial. It is interested in good outcome of the elections."
13:37
12.6.2014
Relief
Some Kabul residents we talked to on the street said they were relieved that the election would soon be over. This man says the election has proved a distraction, and that other pressing issues facing the country need attention, including unemployment and price hikes on everyday goods.
Some Kabul residents we talked to on the street said they were relieved that the election would soon be over. This man says the election has proved a distraction, and that other pressing issues facing the country need attention, including unemployment and price hikes on everyday goods.
13:33
12.6.2014
We have experienced some technical issues. But we are now back up and running.
13:32
12.6.2014
The presidential candidates have focused their campaigns on "economic development, responsible governance ... and striking pacts with former rivals and ethnic power brokers," according to this article from "The Los Angeles Times."
But the paper notes there has been a "virtual silence" when it comes to the hot-button issue of how to end hostilities with the Taliban. And despite the controversy it has caused in the United States, Abdullah Abdullah and Ashraf Ghani made no mention of the Taliban's recent release of U.S. Army Sergeant Bow Bergdahl in exchange for the so-called Taliban Five.
But the paper notes there has been a "virtual silence" when it comes to the hot-button issue of how to end hostilities with the Taliban. And despite the controversy it has caused in the United States, Abdullah Abdullah and Ashraf Ghani made no mention of the Taliban's recent release of U.S. Army Sergeant Bow Bergdahl in exchange for the so-called Taliban Five.
11:32
12.6.2014
10:30
12.6.2014
10:26
12.6.2014
09:36
12.6.2014
Security extremely tight near the Defense Ministry compound in Kabul. There are checkpoints all along the main road. Every third or fourth car is being searched by police.
09:28
12.6.2014
New Security Measures
As Afghan security forces make their preparations for Saturday's vote, new security measures are being rolled out in Kabul.
As Afghan security forces make their preparations for Saturday's vote, new security measures are being rolled out in Kabul.
08:41
12.6.2014
Quiet in Kabul
Kabul is fairly quiet today. Not many residents out on the streets. Few cars on the roads. Security forces have put up scores of checkpoints across the city, which has made it difficult to travel around the city.
Kabul is fairly quiet today. Not many residents out on the streets. Few cars on the roads. Security forces have put up scores of checkpoints across the city, which has made it difficult to travel around the city.
I spoke to a taxi driver, who told me he will be staying home for the next few days. "I don't need the constant bodychecks and questions."
Despite the tight security measures, some shops and stands are still operating.
Despite the tight security measures, some shops and stands are still operating.