Afghan voters defy attacks, delays to choose president
Afghans braved the threat of militant attacks and delays at polling booths to vote in a presidential election on Saturday, a major test of the Western-backed government’s ability to protect democracy against Taliban attempts to derail it.
The election was marred by numerous small-scale Taliban attacks, but only one confirmed death. Turnout was low, however, with the violence - plus earlier Taliban threats against polling stations - likely contributing factors.
Voting was extended by two hours, as the start of polling was delayed around the country with stations failing to open on time amid technical problems.
Independent election observers and activists said a slow pace to voting triggered confusion at some polling stations, with long queues forming outside.
Source: reuters.com
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