Abdullah eventually registered his fingerprints on the new biometric system and cast his ballot after IEC staff took a while to find his name.
CEO Abdullah Abdullah cast his vote at about 8.40am in Kabul on Saturday after a short delay while Independent Election Commission (IEC) staff looked through the voters list for his name.
Speaking after having cast his ballot, Abdullah said holding elections was a big step towards changing people’s lives.
According to him, the vast number of people that have turned out to vote is testimony to the people’s anti-war and pro-peace sentiments.
“People, by their vast turnout at polling centers, are saying no to violence,” he said.
Speaking on the security situation in the country, he said enemies of Afghanistan do not want a democratic system in the country.
“Afghanistan’s enemies do not want a legitimate system based on the people’s will – to rule the country. They always target civilians.”
He also said security forces are doing everything possible to ensure people’s safety on Election Day and that people will not boycott elections because of any threat.
“No threat can stop people from participating in the election process. Government is doing its best to maintain election security.”
Second Vice President Sarwar Danish also cast his vote in the west of Kabul this morning.
