Videocrux - Afghanistan's victory in successful election‎

#Videocrux - Afghanistan's victory in successful election‎ Afghanistan's victory in successful election‎
Afghans voted on Thursday to elect a president for only the second time in history as the government and the West acclaimed the ballot despite fears of poor turnout after a day of sporadic Taliban violence.
Defiant Afghans trickle to polling booths
Afghans voted to elect a new president and 420 councillors in 34 provincial councils. Millions of Afghans defied threats to cast ballots in the country's second national elections since Taliban rule. Voting all over Afghanistan commenced at 7am (0230 GMT) despite fears of violence, to beat the crowds and the heat of the day. Voter turnout was strong in the north of the country.
Attacks weaken Afghan voter turnout
Threats from the Taliban Islamic guerrillas kept numbers low in the south of the country, as Southern Afghanistan is the Taliban's power-base. The extremists carried out dozens of attacks across the country which instilled fear in the minds of some leading to a lower turnout, in spite of it, voting day is called a success. At least 26 people were killed in election-related violence, fewer than had been feared. Govt. ordered media not to report any violence on polling day and to implement it many cameras were confiscated.
Discrepencies in Presidential vote
Amin Iskandar, Election Observer, Asian Network for Free Elections says in some polling booths the instructors were influencing voter's decision. Voting hours were extended so that people could cast their vote.
UN desires national consensus after results
Kai Eide, Head, UN Assistance Mission to Afghanistan, demanded peace and asked all the leaders who don't win to join in the national consensus so that the new agenda can be formulated efficiently and a change could be brought to Afghanistan.
Election results to be declared in September
The official outcome is due in September with analysts predicting a possible run-off between incumbent President Hamid Karzai and top opponent Dr Abdullah Abdullah.

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