Intimidation in Afghan polls

"There were a few cases of intimidation by powerful candidates or their agents," Free and Fair Elections in Afghanistan chairman Nader Naderi told AFP, describing the pressure as "non-violent".

"Some of the candidates or their agents were telling the voters to vote for them... they were threatening the voters that if they didn't vote for them, they will be punished," he said.

Naderi said most cases were reported in southern Kandahar province, the stronghold of the Taliban hardliners that ruled the country until they were forced out in a US-led campaign in 2001.

Intimidation was also noted in restive central Logar and in northern Baghlan, he said.

"We expect a full report in one or two days," Naderi said.

Vote-counting after Sunday's election, the country's first parliamentary vote in more than 30 years, began on Tuesday for all but two provinces.

Logistical problems delayed the count for eastern Kunar and Nuristan provinces, officials said.

Final results are not expected until late October.