Presidential and provincial council elections took place on August 20 amidst insecurity and Taliban intimidation. Voter turn out was low, and after allegations of fraud, a run off election was scheduled for November 7 between favorites Hamid Karzai and Dr. Abdullah Abdullah, however Dr. Abdullah withdrew before the second round and Karzai was named president for second term. Amidst an uncertain democracy, daily life went on for Afghans.

Afghan people fly kites in a cemetery during the lead up to Afghan presidential elections in Kabul, Afghanistan, on August 14, 2009.