Afghanistan runs out of ballot papers as election turnout surprises
- 10 years ago
The voting in Afghanistan's landmark presidential election was largely peaceful.
Only isolated incidents of violence at polling stations were reported.
Taliban insurgents had vowed to derail the election.
But Saturday's voting was marred by something else.
(SOUNDBITE) (Dari) RESIDENT OF KABUL MOHAMMAD HASSAN SAYING:
"I was waiting from 2pm, but the election workers told us that there are no more ballot papers, three other centers here have also run out."
Election officials were unprepared for the high turnout, nearly 60 percent of eligible voters.
Polling stations simply ran out of paper ballots.
More ballots were dispatched where they were needed.
And some polling stations stayed open much longer than planned.
Still, many voters stood for hours to cast their vote.
Leaving some frustrated over the wait.
(SOUNDBITE) (Dari) KABUL RESIDENT BIBI ROQIA, SAYING:
"I spent two hours waiting to vote but now they are t
Only isolated incidents of violence at polling stations were reported.
Taliban insurgents had vowed to derail the election.
But Saturday's voting was marred by something else.
(SOUNDBITE) (Dari) RESIDENT OF KABUL MOHAMMAD HASSAN SAYING:
"I was waiting from 2pm, but the election workers told us that there are no more ballot papers, three other centers here have also run out."
Election officials were unprepared for the high turnout, nearly 60 percent of eligible voters.
Polling stations simply ran out of paper ballots.
More ballots were dispatched where they were needed.
And some polling stations stayed open much longer than planned.
Still, many voters stood for hours to cast their vote.
Leaving some frustrated over the wait.
(SOUNDBITE) (Dari) KABUL RESIDENT BIBI ROQIA, SAYING:
"I spent two hours waiting to vote but now they are t