Historic presidential election looms for war-torn country . However , his many years in the United States -- especially while his countrymen were suffering , first under the yoke of Soviet imperialism and later the strictures of the Taliban -- may impede him as he is seen as an outsider with strong ties to the U.S. , merely the latest foreign invaders of Afghan soil . April 5 will see the first round of voting , with a following runoff if no candidate wins outright . The second and final round is scheduled to take place on May 9. Incumbent Hamid Karzai constitutionally bound to step down .
Historic presidential election looms for war-torn country . April 5 will see the first round of voting , with a following runoff if no candidate wins outright . The second and final round is scheduled to take place on May 9. Incumbent Hamid Karzai constitutionally bound to step down .