With vote over, Afghanistan faces possible political chaos

Presidential elections are over, and Afghanistan now faces a period of uncertainty and possible political chaos.

Saturday's vote was marred by violence, Taliban threats and widespread allegations of mismanagement and abuse.

It was the fourth time Afghans have gone to the polls to elect a president since 2001 when the US-led coalition ousted a regressive Taliban regime.

The latest election seems unlikely to bring the peace sought by Afghans, tired of an increasingly brutal war, or an easy exit for the United States, seeking to end its longest military engagement.

The preliminary vote count won't be known before October 17 and the final tally on November 7.

If there is no clear winner, a second round of voting will be held.

Initial estimates and observations at polling stations suggest a light turnout among 9.6 million eligible voters.

Afghanistan's National Security Adviser Hamdullah Mohib said that those who turned up at polling stations "risked their lives to show that they want to be in control of their own future."