Ballots, Bullets & Kabulshit: An Afghan Election: Penguin Special

Toby Ralph, described as one of the "most powerful spinners and advisers in Australia", joined a UN team to assist with preparations for Afghanistan's 2009 presidential elections. Ballots, Bullets & Kabulshit offers a rare glimpse into the chaos and danger of attempting to deliver democracy in a war zone.

With the wry humour of a seasoned politico (or someone trying to distract themselves from the very real dangers of their situation), Ralph provides snapshots of life in Kabul, a primer in the political shambles of a failing state, and the reflections of a non-combatant working in a war zone in a suit and tie.

He is whisked between meetings in armoured cars, tries to avoid sitting on the AK-47 down the back of the couch at his lodgings, dines with colleagues in sandbagged candlelit restaurants, and attempts to convince the Electoral Commission chairman - and friend of President Hamid Karzai - that having an election is a good idea.

That the poll ended in farce, with Karzai's reinstatement by default, means the UN will be sending another group of advisers when next an election is reluctantly called.