Updated on 26 August 2009

By Gary Gibbon

Reports suggest as few as 150 people voted in the area of Afghanistan where British forces were involved in a major military operation against the Taliban.

As the counting continues after the presidential elections a poor turnout has been reported in an area of the country where British troops fought for a major Taliban stronghold.

The British Ambassador to Afghanistan has defended the role of the military following the reports that a low vote turnout in one area of Helmand province was due to British troops failing to secure the area.