First indications of Afghan poll result out today

My Account
Logout

Create an Evening Standard Account

Use your social network

Save time by using your existing account to sign in to Evening Standard

We'll never share your information or post anything to your account without your permission

Welcome! Sign in here

Use your social network

Save time by using your existing account to sign in to Evening Standard

We'll never share your information or post anything to your account without your permission

Forgot your password ?

Registration

* indicates fields that are mandatory

Email *

Password *

Confirm Password *

First name *

Surname *

Postcode *

Country *

Mobile phone number

Username *

Gender *

Year of birth *

When you sign up...

You will have access to all our online competitions, discounted offers and can post comments on our site.

You will also receive The Weekender newsletter sent every Thursday - it’s full of fantastic offers and ideas for the weekend. You can update your email preferences in your account page when you log in.

Other newsletters and emails

Homes & Property Newsletter - Yes I want to receive the weekly email with all the latest news on property in the capital

Occasionally we would also like to send you relevant emails detailing specific offers either from ourselves or carefully selected partners. If you would prefer not to receive these then please tick the appropriate boxes below. We will never pass on your details.

I do not want to receive additional offers and information from the Evening Standard

I do not want to receive additional offers and information sent by Evening Standard on behalf of carefully selected partners

Terms and Conditions

* I have read, understood and agree to be bound by the terms and conditions of Evening Standard

Registration

Mail Sent for Registration Confirmation.

A confirmation email has been sent. Please activate your account by clicking on the activation link sent in your mail box.

The Independent Electoral Commission was due to give an early indication of results and turnout, as critics questioned whether sacrifices made by British troops had been enough to persuade voters it was safe to exercise their democratic right last week.

First partial results - a tiny sample - from last week's presidential election may do little to resolve a dispute over the outcome. Establishing exactly how many voted in Helmand province, where most UK forces are based, is fraught with doubts about official figures and the extent of ballot rigging. US Ambassador Karl Eikenberry said: "We're really not going to know for several weeks Millions turned out to vote but Taliban intimidation, especially in southern Afghanistan, certainly limited those numbers."

Some reports suggest turnout in the province was five or 10per cent. One Western official said an "intelligent guess" would put the figure at about 20 to 35per cent. Either would be a significant fall from the 68per cent in the 2004 presidential election, when the area was more peaceful.

A low Helmand turnout could damage President Hamid Karzai's hopes of reaching the 50 per cent support he needs to avoid a damaging second round of voting. He enjoys strong support among fellow Pashtuns there.

The commission will announce the certified results on 17 September.