The UN Security Council on Friday congratulated Afghanistan on holding presidential and provincial elections despite a series of terrorist acts throughout the country.

"The members of the Security Council welcome the holding of the presidential and provincial council elections in Afghanistan," the council''s statement said. It also congratulated "the people of Afghanistan on their participation."

Incumbent Afghan President Hamid Karzai said more than 70 militant attacks occurred in almost half of the country''s provinces during presidential elections on Thursday.

Tolo television reported that many polling stations were closed in the north-central province of Baghlan due to heavy fighting that killed 22 Taliban insurgents and injured another 20. Three security officers were also killed in the fighting.

UN Security General Ban Ki-moon also praised the polls, saying in a statement on Thursday that, "By exercising their constitutional right to vote, the Afghan people have demonstrated again their desire for stability and development in their country."

Washington also congratulated Afghanistan on holding the elections, the second presidential polls since a U.S.-led force ousted the Taliban in 2001.

The results of the polls will be known in early September. If none of the 30 presidential candidates secures 50% of the vote, a run-off will be held in October.