12:24
13.6.2014
The Chinese Foreign Ministry has expressed hope that the Afghan presidential election will run smoothly and said Beijing will continue to support peaceful reconstruction and national reconciliation in the country.
12:37
13.6.2014
13:15
13.6.2014
The Symbols Behind The Candidates
Ashraf Ghani
The former finance minister and World Bank official chose the Koran as his symbol.
It is unclear why, exactly, he chose the Koran. But the Western-educated technocrat could be looking to show voters his religious side. Afghanistan is one of the world's most deeply religious and conservative countries and some Afghans could be wary of a candidate with ties to the West.
Abdullah Abdullah
The former foreign minister adopted a symbol of education -- a book and a pen.
Abdullah is a qualified eye surgeon and the 2009 election runner-up has often spoken about the importance of education.
The Afghan Independent Electoral Commission published a list of all the 11 originally registered candidates, along with their chosen symbols. Our correspondent Frud Bezhan asked "Will The Next Afghan President Be A Pen, Radio, Or Bulldozer?" way back in October.
Ashraf Ghani
The former finance minister and World Bank official chose the Koran as his symbol.
It is unclear why, exactly, he chose the Koran. But the Western-educated technocrat could be looking to show voters his religious side. Afghanistan is one of the world's most deeply religious and conservative countries and some Afghans could be wary of a candidate with ties to the West.
Abdullah Abdullah
The former foreign minister adopted a symbol of education -- a book and a pen.
Abdullah is a qualified eye surgeon and the 2009 election runner-up has often spoken about the importance of education.
The Afghan Independent Electoral Commission published a list of all the 11 originally registered candidates, along with their chosen symbols. Our correspondent Frud Bezhan asked "Will The Next Afghan President Be A Pen, Radio, Or Bulldozer?" way back in October.
13:16
13.6.2014
Join us for a Google + Hangout on Friday, June 13 at 9:30 am (Washington, D.C.), 3:30 pm (Prague, Czech Republic) 6 pm (Kabul, Afghanistan).
Panelists:
Frud Bezhan, RFE/RL’s Central Newsroom Correspondent, live blogging on the campaign, the election, and its repercussions direct from Kabul.
Akbar Ayazi, Regional Director of Broadcasting, Prague, overseeing RFE/RL's Afghanistan and Pakistan broadcast services. Ayazi is a frequent commentator on Afghan politics, and before joining RFE/RL, was a broadcaster for Afghan National Radio and TV.
Daud Khattak, Senior Editor with RFE/RL's Pakistan Service, Radio Mashaal. Khattak, based in Prague, has written for "Foreign Policy," "Christian Science Monitor" and "CTC Sentinel." He is an expert on militancy in Pakistan's tribal areas, the Pakistani Taliban, and Pashtun politics and society.
Moderator: Mardo Soghom, RFE/RL’s Regional Director for Iran & Iraq. Based in Prague, Soghom has written extensively on Middle East politics and previously served as News Director for Radio Farda, RFE/RL’s Persian Service.
We invite you to post questions in advance and follow updates for live links to the Google+ Hangout on Twitter and Facebook. #RFERLive @RFERL
Panelists:
Frud Bezhan, RFE/RL’s Central Newsroom Correspondent, live blogging on the campaign, the election, and its repercussions direct from Kabul.
Akbar Ayazi, Regional Director of Broadcasting, Prague, overseeing RFE/RL's Afghanistan and Pakistan broadcast services. Ayazi is a frequent commentator on Afghan politics, and before joining RFE/RL, was a broadcaster for Afghan National Radio and TV.
Daud Khattak, Senior Editor with RFE/RL's Pakistan Service, Radio Mashaal. Khattak, based in Prague, has written for "Foreign Policy," "Christian Science Monitor" and "CTC Sentinel." He is an expert on militancy in Pakistan's tribal areas, the Pakistani Taliban, and Pashtun politics and society.
Moderator: Mardo Soghom, RFE/RL’s Regional Director for Iran & Iraq. Based in Prague, Soghom has written extensively on Middle East politics and previously served as News Director for Radio Farda, RFE/RL’s Persian Service.
We invite you to post questions in advance and follow updates for live links to the Google+ Hangout on Twitter and Facebook. #RFERLive @RFERL
13:37
13.6.2014
Our experts discussed the Afghan election today. You can still watch it here!
14:59
13.6.2014
15:20
13.6.2014
15:25
13.6.2014
15:36
13.6.2014
15:53
13.6.2014
We are wrapping up our live-blogging for Friday, June 13. Polls (and our live blog) open at 7 a.m. Kabul time!