Afghans have welcomed the bigger-than-expected turnout in their country's presidential election, as the Taliban failed to significantly disrupt the landmark vote.

Voter turnout was bigger than expected...nearly 60 percent.

This, despite threats from Taliban insurgents to derail the vote with violence.

There's a palpable sense that, just perhaps, greater stability is finally within reach.

Saturday's election was Afghanistan's first attempt at a democratic transfer of power since the Taliban lost control of the country. 

But now begins a potentially dangerous period for Afghanistan.

The winner needs over 50 percent of votes to avoid a run-off election, which could leave a power vacuum for the Taliban to exploit.

Final election results won't come in for another six weeks.