Presidential elections in Afghanistan are to be held on 9 October, despite widespread violence by Islamic militants who have vowed to derail the country's first direct vote.
However, the United Nations has said that parliamentary polls, supposed to be at the same time, will be delayed until April.
The US-backed government of President Hamid Karzai had hoped to hold both elections in June, then September.
Logistical problems and security worries forced delays on both occasions.
