KABUL, Afghanistan (AP) — Tens of thousands of Afghan forces have fanned out across the country as voting began in parliamentary elections following a campaign marred by relentless violence.

The Independent Election Commission says 8.8. million Afghans are registered to vote in Saturday's election. Wasima Badghisy, a commission member, called voters "very, very brave" and says a turnout of 5 million will be a success.

In the run-up to the elections, two candidates were killed while polling in Kandahar was delayed for a week after a rogue guard gunned down the powerful provincial police chief.

Commission deputy spokesman Aziz Ismaili says no results will be released before mid-November and final results will not be out until later in December.

Afghan President Ashraf Ghani marked his ballot as polls opened at 7 a.m.