'Just the fact of these elections going ahead given the challenges is a success for the gradual process of putting down a democratic culture in Afghanistan,' he said.

Sedwill said there would be 'many, many more' polling stations than the 4,800 there were for the 2004 elections, and measures had been taken to reduce the possibility of ballot fraud.

Afghan police and soldiers would provide security at polling stations, with British troops available to respond to trouble if needed.

Asked about Taliban threats to disrupt the elections, Sedwill said: 'We are well aware of the threat and the international forces and Afghan forces have preparations in place to try to mitigate it.'