15:01
15.6.2014
We conclude our live-blogging of the second-round runoff of the 2014 Afghan presidential election with a final feature from our correspondent Frud Bezhan, who has been covering the vote from Kabul.
In his piece "Doubts Cast On High Turnout," Bezhan looks at some of the questions being asked about estimates that more than 7 million voters cast ballots, 38 percent of them women.
As the vote count continues we will continue to cover developments closely.
You can find all our latest Afghan news in English on our Afghanistan page, and follow the post election developments on our "After Karzai" blog.
Thanks for tuning in!
In his piece "Doubts Cast On High Turnout," Bezhan looks at some of the questions being asked about estimates that more than 7 million voters cast ballots, 38 percent of them women.
As the vote count continues we will continue to cover developments closely.
You can find all our latest Afghan news in English on our Afghanistan page, and follow the post election developments on our "After Karzai" blog.
Thanks for tuning in!
14:14
15.6.2014
On The Move
"Since last night we were able to transfer more than 45 percent of election materials and ballot boxes from Kabul polling centers to the main office of the Independent Election Commission."
-- IEC spokesman Noor Muhammad Noor, June 15
14:12
15.6.2014
Abdullah Abdullah
Speaking at a press conference in Kabul on June 14:
Speaking at a press conference in Kabul on June 14:
"[The] men and women of the country did participate and we are proud of our nation. Once again they proved that they believe in the democratic process, they are aware of their democratic rights, and they respect the law in this regard."
"By massive participation they proved [wrong] all those assessments and anticipations which were saying that the people of Afghanistan don't know about the second round [of the presidential election], they might not be willing to participate in the second round."
"In regard to the future of this country, I am very hopeful that there will be an opportunity for recreating, rebuilding the trust between the people of Afghanistan and their own government, and also between the Afghan state and the neighboring countries, and the countries of the region and countries of the world."
"The future of the country will depend on the legitimate outcome of the election, and [the] legitimate outcome of the election will further strengthen the foundation of the country."
"By massive participation they proved [wrong] all those assessments and anticipations which were saying that the people of Afghanistan don't know about the second round [of the presidential election], they might not be willing to participate in the second round."
"In regard to the future of this country, I am very hopeful that there will be an opportunity for recreating, rebuilding the trust between the people of Afghanistan and their own government, and also between the Afghan state and the neighboring countries, and the countries of the region and countries of the world."
"The future of the country will depend on the legitimate outcome of the election, and [the] legitimate outcome of the election will further strengthen the foundation of the country."
14:10
15.6.2014
Ashraf Ghani
Speaking at a press conference in Kabul on June 14:
Speaking at a press conference in Kabul on June 14:
"What is gratifying is [that] contrary to every assumption made by every expert -- particularly foreign experts -- that Afghans will not turn out for the second round [of the presidential election], we have proven every expert wrong and I am delighted with that."
"At times our foreign friends take our poverty and our seeming illiteracy as a sign of a lack of commitment, sophistication, or democracy. This is a [public] deeply committed to debate and discussion and I am delighted to be a member of it."
"The chairman of the [Independent] Election Commission has asked that we not claim victory or make a forecast. We have honored this. Our own analysis is that we have done very well and we are very proud that this great people has responded to our call for transformation and continuity."
"At times our foreign friends take our poverty and our seeming illiteracy as a sign of a lack of commitment, sophistication, or democracy. This is a [public] deeply committed to debate and discussion and I am delighted to be a member of it."
"The chairman of the [Independent] Election Commission has asked that we not claim victory or make a forecast. We have honored this. Our own analysis is that we have done very well and we are very proud that this great people has responded to our call for transformation and continuity."
13:37
15.6.2014
Abdullah and Ghani Both Say They’re Leading
Both candidates, speaking last night, appeared to set the stage for refusing to accept defeat, according to Reuters.
Former presidential candidate Daud Sultanzoi, a member of the Ghani team:
Mahmud Saikal, from Abdullah’s campaign team:
Both candidates, speaking last night, appeared to set the stage for refusing to accept defeat, according to Reuters.
Former presidential candidate Daud Sultanzoi, a member of the Ghani team:
"The result is already very clear to everyone because Dr. Ashraf Ghani's observers were monitoring and at the same time were asking people's opinion.”
Mahmud Saikal, from Abdullah’s campaign team:
"The result is obviously very clear. We will never accept the result if based on fraud and we will certainly dig out those who committed fraud and hang them."
11:58
15.6.2014
11:39
15.6.2014
11:38
15.6.2014
Thomas Ruttig analyzes the election, the women's vote, and the security situation ...
11:35
15.6.2014
11:35
15.6.2014