Both Abdullah and Ghani hailed anti-corruption measures and government transparency as centerpieces of their campaign platforms.

CNN: Officials hail Afghan vote a success despite deaths

"Of course the political situation is a bit scary, " says Mr Ghani of the Afghan-American Chamber of Commerce.

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Ghani told CNN the most significant challenge Afghanistan's next president faces is earning back the trust of the people.

CNN: Violence, graft overshadow Afghan elections

Ahmed Salama scored a brace for Haras, while Ahmed Abdul-Ghani, Mohamed Halim and Ahmed Salem all got on the scoresheet.

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The other candidate who gathered steam in the campaign was former Finance Minister Ashraf Ghani, a Western-educated man who served as a World Bank analyst.

CNN: Officials hail Afghan vote a success despite deaths

The other candidate who picked up steam in the campaign is former finance minister Ashraf Ghani, a Western-educated man who worked as a World Bank analyst.

CNN: Afghans head to the polls

While Karzai's and Abdullah's campaign headquarters have been bustling with people trying to form alliances with the next potential chief executive, Ghani has embraced a more grassroots approach.

CNN: Experts: Voter turnout could deal blow to Taliban

Ghani is the best prospect for change, the professor said.

CNN: Experts: Voter turnout could deal blow to Taliban

Another front-runner, Ashraf Ghani, has not been polling well.

CNN: Experts: Voter turnout could deal blow to Taliban

If she could, she'd cast a ballot for Ghani.

CNN: Violence, graft overshadow Afghan elections

Saeed Ghani of the PPP.

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