Afghanistan's Independent Election Commission said initial results based on 10 percent of the vote from 26 out of 34 provinces showed former opposition leader Abdullah Abdullah in the lead with 41.9 percent.
Women voters have been lining up at polling stations across Afghanistan, defying a threat of violence by the Taliban to cast ballots in what promises to be the nation's first democratic transfer of power.
The Taliban warned civilians ahead of the election they would be targeted if they try to vote, and dozens died in a spate of attacks in the preceding weeks.
The Democratic presidential candidate may also have shown his cards on his choice of running mate.
The US president also shared a post on Twitter accusing Dr Anthony Fauci of misleading the public over hydroxychloroquine.
Fears over an impending second wave of coronavirus dominates Wednesday’s front pages.