Irregularities uncovered ahead of Afghanistan vote

An investigation by the BBC has found evidence of fraud and corruption in Afghanistan's presidential election.

Tuesday is the last day of campaigning before voters go to the polls on Thursday.

But thousands of voting cards have been offered for sale and thousands of dollars have been offered in bribes to buy votes.

The BBC's Ian Pannell reports from Kabul.

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In theory, more than 15 million people are eligible to vote in the election.

In reality, many of them won't participate, either because of security fears or because they see little point.

Those who do vote will have more than 40 candidates to choose between, including two women.

One of them is Shahla Atta, a former member of parliament, who was born in the capital, Kabul, and educated in Kandahar, now regarded as a centre of the Taliban insurgency.

Lyse Doucet asked here why she had decided to run:

Clickclick here for more information on the other candidates standing in the presidential election.

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How do ordinary Afghans feel about the elections?

The BBC's Hugh Sykes has been to sample opinion in Kabul.

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Britain's Ministry of Defence says improvised explosive devices (or IEDS) are the biggest cause of deaths among their troops in Afghanistan.

Lyse Doucet has been on patrol in Wardak province with troops trying to get rid of them: The US army's 10th Mountain division.

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It's natural that in the run up to the vote, the news coming out of Afghanistan is focusing on the security situation.

But some parts of the country are perfectly calm, like Bamiyan in the Central Highlands.

Bamiyan's stability means it is attracting new residents including one who thought what the place really needed was a good sushi restaurant.

Lyse Doucet met Japanese sushi chef Hiromi Yasui.

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First broadcast 17-18 August 2009