Afghans Go to the Polls After Two Decades of War
The Associated Press
Published: Oct 8, 2004
Afghans vote Saturday in elections that are seen as crucial for its future stability.
Q: Why are these elections important?
A: The first Western-style election in Afghanistan is also its first national vote since the fall of the Taliban in 2001. After more than two decades of war, there are hopes that the polls will usher in an era of democracy and shore up a drive to make sure the country doesn't revert to a haven for extremists. A successful election would strengthen the next government, better enabling it to challenge warlords who still govern much of the countryside.
Q: Who is expected to win?
A: Interim leader Hamid Karzai is the front-runner, but with 15 other candidates running against him, it isn't clear whether he will get the 50 percent plus one needed to avoid a run-off. Karzai's main rival is Yunus Qanooni, a former education minister.
Q: How long will it take to count the votes and when will a winner be declared?
A: No results are expected until late Sunday or Monday, and it could take more than two weeks to tally votes from the most remote districts, where ballot papers are being transported by donkey. A run-off could leave the country in political limbo until late November.
Q: How has violence marred the polls and how much of a threat do Taliban and al-Qaida fighters pose?
A: More than 60 people have been killed since the official start of the election campaign Sept. 7. Security has been a top concern for candidates. There have been three attacks on Karzai and his political allies. However, fears that Taliban or al-Qaida fighters would launch a massive assault have not materialized.
AP-ES-10-08-04 1343EDT
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