AFGHAN VOTE CLAIM.

BOTH President Hamid Karzai and his chief rival Abdullah Abdullah claimed Afghan election victory yesterday.

Karzai, whose power is traditionally in the south, has been shaken by poor voter turn-out in Helmand and Kandahar.

That put a question mark over his presidency as Abdullah said initial poll results showed he had more than half of the vote.

The election took place amid tight security, which saw helicopters in some areas of Helmand flying ballot boxes to reinforced count centres.

CAPTION(S):

HIGH POLL British soldiers help unload ballot boxes for count in Helmand yesterday