On Saturday, millions of Afghan citizens bravely defied the threat of physical harm and death to do for the first time what we here in America have come to take for granted.

They voted.

When, despite threats of Taliban violence, Afghan men and women stepped out to the polls by the hundreds to participate in the country's first presidential election, democracy took a step forward. And while some of the election's procedures might have raised questions about the validity of its results, the election itself should be considered a victory.

At some polls, it was discovered that ink used to stain voters' hands to prevent multiple voting was not effective because it could be easily washed off. Voting irregularities such as this have caused some of the presidential candidates to challenge the results and call for a new election. But voting experts from the European Union and the Joint Election Management Board have concluded there is no reason to nullify Saturday's election.

If there are issues worth questioning, Afghanistan's leaders and presidential candidates need to challenge them in a patient, proper and lawful manner. And, once the legal avenues have been exhausted, all need to accept the election's results and move forward.

Instead of spending time and energy worrying about the logistics and safety of this election, perhaps the country's leaders can begin planning how to make the voting process more reliable next time.

Saturday, the Afghan people witnessed the formation of a democracy. Afghanistan's election might not have been perfectly executed, but the fact that it took place without serious violent repercussions and no deaths is a hopeful sign that the country is heading in the right direction.

In America, voting is rarely touted as being particularly brave or thrilling. But in Afghanistan, casting a ballot this weekend was a death-defying act. We should applaud the people for their passion to make a change and remember not to take our own democracy for granted.