The United Nations has praised Afghanistan voters for turning out en masse despite threats of violence by the Taliban. Despite several deadly clashes, the vote has been hailed as a success.

The United Nations Security Council urged all involved in Afghanistan's election to show patience and respect during the vote counting, which continued on Sunday.

The Security Council praised "the courage of the Afghan people to cast their ballots despite the threat and intimidation by the Taliban and other extremist and terrorist groups."

Early estimates of voter turnout indicated that more than seven million ballots were cast on Saturday, as polling places stayed opened for an extra hour and additional ballot papers were issued to cope with the long lines. It's estimated about 13 million people were eligible to vote for Afghanistan's next president, a successor to Hamid Karzai, putting the estimated voter turnout at over 50 percent. People also voted for provincial councils.

"This has truly been an election led by Afghans, secured by Afghans, for the future of Afghans," NATO chief Anders Fogh Rasmussen said, praising the voters' enthusiasm and the work of Afghanistan's security forces.

Following the closing of polls Saturday, US President Barack Obama said the election represented "another important milestone in Afghans taking full responsibility for their country as the United States and our partners draw down forces."

Source: DW