A splash of colour set against Afganistan's dusty landscape.

Aino Mena, just outside Kandahar, has become an unlikely location for the country's wealthy elite.

Once home to Taliban leaders, it's now the site of a luxury housing complex.

President Karzai's property developer brother Mahmood helped to build it.

Not too far away others are struggling to make ends meet.

The polls are being hailed as the first free and democratic elections.

But little has changed for Daro Khan since the Taliban were toppled and Karzi took up office more than 12 years ago.

He says he's disappointed the current government haven't done more to help.

The country will vote for a new President at the weekend.

Karzai is barred from running a third term under the constitution.

Instead the family are backing Zalmai Rassoul, former foreign minister and a close confidant of Karzai.

He's one of eight contestants competing for the presidency.

And could prove invaluable to the family if he wins, says Afghan politician Ahmad Behzad.

Saturday's election is expected to be marred by violence.

The Taliban have vowed to disrupt proceedings and have already carried out a string of attacks.

Even after the election, it could take months for a winner to be declared.

Potentially leaving Afghanistan politically adrift as international forces prepare to withdraw their troops.