Among irregularities were late opening of polling centers, late arrival of voters' lists, troubles in biometric system as well as restriction of candidates' agents and election observers in entering the polling stations.

The elections cover 32 out of the country's 34 provinces. Voting in Kandahar and Ghazni provinces has been postponed due to security reasons.

More than 2,500 candidates are contesting for the Wolesi Jirga or the 249-seat lower house of the parliament.

During the polls, nearly 9 million registered voters, including 3 million women, will cast their ballots to elect members of the lower house for a five-year term.