The fact there is no clear-cut front-runner, as is the norm in more stagnant, authoritarian states nearby, has led many voters to seize their chance to make a difference.

VOA: standard.2010.03.07

"There are going to be more long nights, more cold days, more memorial services, more frustrations,more questions, more answers to questions, but there are also going to be more Afghans with a chance, more Afghans with security, more Afghans with the ability to make the choice for their future, to build the country the way they want it,".

VOA: standard.2009.12.03