Vote Count Complete in Afghan Election; Warlords Faring Well

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http://ap.tbo.com/ap/breaking/MGBC17Y7FEE.html

KABUL, Afghanistan (AP) - Election authorities investigated reports of vote fraud and audited results Wednesday after ballot-counting ended in Afghanistan's landmark parliamentary poll, officials said.

The official election Web site showed powerful warlords, a former Taliban commander and women's activists among the front-runners set to win seats in the 249 Wolesi Jirga, or National Assembly.

Aleem Siddique, a spokesman for the joint U.N.-Afghan election body, said the first few provisional results from provinces were expected Thursday.

Results will be announced in phases in case of unrest. Officials expect a blizzard of complaints and accusations of cheating by losing candidates. Final certified results are due Oct. 22.