Voters are heading to the polls in Afghanistan to chose a new president. It marks the nation’s first transfer of power via the ballot box.<br /><br /> Many are hoping for a high turnout despite Taliban intimidation to derail the elections.<br /><br /> Three frontrunners have emerged to replace President Hamid Karzai who has held power for the last twelve years, all former ministers they need at least 50% of the vote to avoid a second round run-off.<br /><br /> The months leading up to the elections have been some of the bloodiest since the fall of the Taliban in 2001, and security is tight with 350,000 troops on guard.<br /><br /> Around 3,000 donkeys will be used to transfer ballot boxes to the more remote areas.<br /><br /> The lack of infrastructure means the eventual tally may not be known for several months.
