Elections in Afghanistan

We take a look at the consequences of Abdullah Abdullah pulling out of the just-cancelled run-off elections in Afghanistan, the upcoming 30th anniversary of the Iran hostage crisis, and October’s employment numbers.

A U.N.-backed election commission has determined that neither of the two leading candidates received a majority of votes. That finding could result in a runoff between Karzai and his leading opponent, Abdullah Abdullah.

As voting gets underway in Afghanistan’s presidential election, The Takeaway talks to Martin Patience, an Afghan correspondent for the BBC. The threat of violence is being taken seriously; 300,000 troops are protecting an estimated 17 million voters.

Election results in Afghanistan show incumbent president Hamid Karzai winning re-election; But allegations of fraud continue to mar the process. Now EU observers say that up to 25% the ballots cast are suspect. The World’s Jason Margolis has details.

Millions of Afghans cast their ballots in yesterday’s presidential election�though turnout appeared weaker than in the election five years ago. Anchor Katy Clark speaks with the BBC’s Caroline Wyatt.