The turnout in Afghanistan's presidential election has been praised by Afghan and Western leaders, describing the vote as a success.
Afghanistan's electoral commission said more than seven million people out of an estimated 12 million eligible voted in the poll.
According to the BBC, eight candidates are seeking to succeed Hamid Karzai, with a result expected in days.
A massive security operation was launched to prevent the Taliban, who had vowed to disrupt the election.
In a statement, US President Barack Obama commended the Afghan people, security forces and elections officials for turnout for the vote.
UK Foreign Secretary William Hague said it was a great achievement as so many voters turned out in such large numbers, despite threats of violence.
NATO military alliance chief Anders Fogh Rasmussen congratulating the Afghans, said the elections were 'a historic moment for Afghanistan'.
With ballot papers running out and long queues, the election commission extended voting to allow the process to be completed.
Some polling stations stayed open for another four hours to allow everyone queuing to vote.
