Afghans to vote amid security

VOTERS in Afghanistan are casting their ballots in the long delayed elections, amid heavy security and threats from the Taliban.

More than 2,500 candidates – including many women – are vying for 250 parliamentary seats.

But more than 30% of polling stations are shut because of security concerns with 10 candidates having been killed in the lead-up to the vote.

Meanwhile, voting in Kandahar province has been delayed by a week after the killing of a top police chief. Gen Abdul Raziq was shot dead by a rogue bodyguard.