DHAKA: Afghan and Western leaders have praised the turnout in Afghanistan`s presidential election, describing the vote as a success.

It is the strife-torn nation`s first transfer of power via the ballot box.

More than seven million Afghans out of an estimated 12 million eligible voted in the poll, the country`s electoral commission says.

But there are reports of ballot paper shortages and sporadic violence from across the country.

Eight candidates are seeking to succeed Hamid Karzai, with a result expected in days.

A massive operation was launched to thwart the Taliban, who had vowed to disrupt the election, and heavy rainfall may have depressed turnout in some areas.

Karzai, barred by the constitution from seeking a third term, said after the polls closed: "Despite the cold and rainy weather and possible terrorist attack, our sisters and brothers nationwide took in this election and their participation is a step forward and it is a success for Afghanistan."

US President Barack Obama, in a statement issued by the White House, said: "We commend the Afghan people, security forces, and elections officials on the turnout for today`s vote - which is in keeping with the spirited and positive debate among candidates and their supporters in the run-up to the election.

"These elections are critical to securing Afghanistan`s democratic future, as well as continued international support."

UK Foreign Secretary William Hague said in a statement: "It is a great achievement for the Afghan people that so many voters, men and women, young and old, have turned out in such large numbers, despite threats of violence, to have their say in the country`s future."

Nato military alliance chief Anders Fogh Rasmussen said the elections were "a historic moment for Afghanistan".

Nato has co-ordinated much of the work of foreign forces in Afghanistan - most of them US and British troops - in a mission that will end this year.

"I congratulate the millions of Afghan men and women from across the country who have cast their votes in presidential and provincial council elections with such an impressive turnout and enthusiasm," Mr Rasmussen said in a statement, reports the BBC.

BDST: 0950 HRS, APR 06, 2014