Security Related Observations: Grenade and rocket attacks directed at polling and city centers emerged as a major form of disruption in many parts of the country. These attacks continued throughout the day. FEFA also received isolated reports of suicide bombings and gunfire in the vicinity of polling stations as well as reports of the manifestation of violent threats directed at the voters by the Taliban in several parts of the country. Women Participation Related Observations As had been predicted with concerns, female electoral staff appeared absent at many polling centers throughout the country. In parts of the country, FEFA observers reported incidents of male proxy voting for female voters. Fewer female polling stations opened than initially planned. Voter Turnout Preliminary FEFA impressions seem to indicate a lower voter turnout if compared to the 2004 Presidential Elections, in particular the female turnout. Voter turnout varied geographically within provinces and districts. ________________________________________ Media On the day before the elections, the government requested all domestic and international media to refrain from reporting on incidents of violence between 6 am and 8 pm on Election Day. Local media complied, whereas international media reported on security incidents throughout the day. Though FEFA sympathizes with the government’s argument that reports of security incidents might have discouraged people to vote, it notes that this limitation of media freedom is a violation of democratic principles. Concluding Remarks The above general observations raise concerns about the quality of today’s elections, and about the impact of the reported incidents of violence—some gruesome. FEFA will continue to thoroughly assess field reports filed by its observers. FEFA takes this opportunity to reiterate its commitment to the transparency and fairness of the remaining phases of the 2009 elections. The electoral process is entering the critical phase of counting and verification of results. FEFA calls on key players to uphold the established rules of this process. Media Advisory FEFA’s chairperson Nader Nadery will hold a press conference on FEFA’s further provisional findings, including first observations on the counting process, on Saturday 22 August 2009 at 10:30 am in Central Hotel. The hotel is located close to Chaar‐rahi Ansary, in Shahr‐e‐Nau. For inquiries please contact Dr. Basir Hamidi at 0700016220 FEFA’s final report on the 2009 Elections will be published after verified results of the elections are released. Background information on FEFA: On Election Day, 7368 FEFA electoral observers, of which 2642 female, are deployed throughout the 34 provinces of the country. 400 of these are long‐term observers that have monitored the entire electoral process from voter registration, candidate registration and throughout the campaigning period in each province.