Progress in Afghanistan, Even If by Fits and Starts

Afghan ballots boxes make way to count centers
By Robert Birsel
Reuters

KABUL (Reuters) - Across Afghanistan on Monday donkeys, camels and trucks carried sealed ballot boxes to counting centers where the results of Sunday's landmark elections will be determined.

World leaders hailed the vote, saying Afghans had braved Taliban violence in a show of determination to build a peaceful future although many fewer people turned out for the legislative elections than last time.

The election commission estimated turnout at just over 50 percent, significantly lower than in last year's presidential poll.

The elections for a national assembly and provincial councils went ahead despite threats by Taliban guerrillas to disrupt the vote. At least 14 people were killed in violence but voting was overwhelmingly peaceful and went ahead in all districts.

It's a long road to a democracy in a nation that has never seen one. This is their second election. Let's hope they continue to progress, better for them, better for us.

Full Story: Afghan Election No.2

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