Afghans at dawn of new day as they go to the polls

TODAY millions of Afghans will go to the polls to select their president for the next five years.

After a month of campaigning, and months of planning, Afghans across this rugged land and refugees in neighbouring Pakistan and Iran, will choose among 18 candidates. For the first time in their history, Afghans will select a national leader by secret ballot, and with the full support of the international community.

Four years ago, such a situation was almost undreamed of. The Taliban had their grip firmly on the levers of power in Afghanistan, and tolerated no opposition or dissent.