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.

Many are hoping for a high turnout despite Taliban intimidation to derail the elections.

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.

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.

Around 3,000 donkeys will be used to transfer ballot boxes to the more remote areas.

The lack of infrastructure means the eventual tally may not be known for several months.