DHAKA: Afghan President-elect Ashraf Ghani is set to be inaugurated in a ceremony at the presidential palace in Kabul.

It comes after six months of deadlock amid a bitter dispute over electoral fraud and a recount of votes.

Under a US-brokered unity deal Ghani takes over the presidency and runner-up Abdullah Abdullah can nominate a figure with prime-ministerial powers, reports BBC

The Taliban have described the deal as a "US-orchestrated sham" but Ghani hailed it as a "big victory".

Ghani praised the country's "first democratic transfer of power" and has also spoken warmly of his rival, and now partner in government, Abdullah.

Abdullah is attending the swearing-in along with up to 100 other dignitaries.

The BBC's David Loyn in Kabul says security in the capital is tight, with few people on the streets and shops closed.

BDST: 1210 HRS, SEP 29, 2014