The campaign for Afghanistan's April 5 presidential election kicked off this week. Colorful posters and large indoor gatherings in the capital, Kabul, and major Afghan cities marked the beginning of the race in which 11 candidates are vying to succeed President Hamid Karzai.
Colors Of Afghanistan's Presidential Campaign

5
Former Finance Minister and World Bank economist Ashraf Ghani Ahmadzai is promising a self-sufficient Afghanistan.

6
Former provincial governor Gul Agha Sherzai at a campaign event in Kabul on February 2.

7
A fruit vendor stands behind his stall decorated with campaign posters of presidential candidate Gul Agha Sherzai in the eastern city of Jalalabad.

8
Workers put up a campaign poster for candidate Abdullah Abdullah.