This archive report was first published on 28 September 2019.
Published on September 28, 2019, as Afghans head to the polls in their fourth presidential election, security is tight across the country.
The Taliban has issued repeated warnings that they intend to attack polling centres, prompting authorities to place Kabul under partial lockdown and ban trucks from entering the city.
With 72,000 forces deployed to secure polling stations, the interior ministry has taken measures to prevent would-be suicide bombers from disrupting the electoral process.
However, many Afghans have lost hope that any leader can unify the fractious country and improve basic living conditions, boost the stagnating economy, or bolster security.
Despite this, several million Afghans are registered to vote, with the election considered a two-horse race between current President Ashraf Ghani and Abdullah Abdullah, the country's chief executive.
Both Ghani and Abdullah have claimed victory in the 2014 election, which was marred by fraud and violence.
Stephane Dujarric, spokesman for UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres, has condemned any acts of violence against the electoral process, saying they are 'unacceptable.'
