He also thanked international and Afghan security forces and organizations for their help. He said they had "enabled the Afghan people to understand how to vote."

Polls closed at 1600 Afghan time across Afghanistan, but officials say anyone who was still waiting in
line at that time would be allowed to cast their ballots. Officials say they believe turnout was high. There were scattered reports of voting irregularities.

Up to 15 people were reported to have been killed in violence across the country in the past 24 hours.
But Karzai said he was pleased there had been no major attacks by Taliban militants during the voting. Chief election organizer Peter Erben described the security situation as "generally very good."

Karzai also praised what he called the high voter turnout by women, which he called a "great step."

Aziza Askar is a doctor in Kabul who worked today as the chief of the women's section of a polling station
at the Wazir Akbar Khan Mosque in Kabul.

"My wish is that the elections that are taking place today will be to the benefit of our country and our people who are trying hard and who are concerned that the elections could have negative consequences," Aziza Askar said."May these elections open [a window of opportunity] for the people of Afghanistan."

Final election results are expected in about three weeks.