An Afghan woman's ink-dipped finger after showing her identity card to vote in Herat, western Afghanistan. Photograph: Rahed Homavandi/Reuters
Afghan poll hailed as a 'success' (click here for video and article)
Afghan President Hamid Karzai and his Western allies have pronounced the country's election a success, after voting passed off largely peacefully.Mr Karzai hailed Afghans for braving Taliban "bombs and intimidations". His praise was echoed by the US and Nato.
There were some attacks by insurgents, but the UN says the vast majority of polling stations were able to function.
President Karzai is facing challenges from about 30 rivals. Official results are not expected for two weeks.
"The Afghan people dared rockets, bombs and intimidations," he told reporters as polls closed following a one-hour extension.
Mr Karzai praised the citizens who turned out to vote
"We'll see what the turnout was. But they came out to vote. That's great."
In Washington, White House spokesman Robert Gibbs said: "Lots of people have defied threats of violence and terror to express their thoughts about the next government for the people of Afghanistan."...
