KABUL (PAN): Substandard ink was allegedly used to mark voter fingers at polling centres in Amani and Habibia High Schools in Kabul.

The ink used was of poor quality, some voters complained, saying it was changed after objections from observers -- but not before more than 80 people cast their ballots.

Seeking reelection, Presidential Hamid Karzai voted at a polling centre in Amani High School. At the Habibia High School, Karzai's rival Ramazan Bashardost cast his vote.

The French-educated politician criticized the use of fake ink, saying it was an attempt at committing fraud in the historic presidential vote.

nnm/mud