Originally posted by the Voice of America.
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Afghan Presidential Polls Close Amid Signs of Low Turnout

VOA News

   Seemingly low voter turnout marked presidential elections in
   Afghanistan Saturday, even as security forces managed to maintain
   relative calm across the country, despite dire warnings from the
   Taliban.

   At least four civilians and three security personnel were killed across
   the country and more than 50 civilians suffered injuries in
   election-related violence, mostly from small explosions. The figure is
   relatively small, keeping in mind past elections and the almost daily
   violence Afghanistan normally faces.

   "At the moment we don't have the exact number of voter turnout. But we
   have created a safe environment. We do believe quite a wide range of
   our compatriots were present," General Khoshal Sadat, the Afghan deputy
   interior minister, told VOA before polls closed.

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