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Karzai Allies Get Tough on Recount

Afghan president's team blasts UN-backed election body

By Jason Farago, Newser Staff

Posted Oct 19, 2009 7:56 AM CDT

(Newser) – Hamid Karzai's camp is signaling he may not accept the results of a recount from Afghanistan's presidential election, sowing further doubt about the country's future. A spokesman said the recount process had been "politically manipulated," and Karzai allies spent the weekend criticizing the UN-backed electoral commission that is counting the votes. Yesterday, thousands of black-clad Karzai supporters marched near Kandahar, decrying "foreign interference" in the election.

After reports of widespread fraud favoring Karzai, new results could bring his total below 50% and set up a runoff with Abdullah Abdullah. But if Karzai refuses to accept the electoral commission's ruling, it could further undermine both the credibility of the Afghan government and NATO countries' war plans. Bernard Kouchner, the French foreign minister, was in Kabul for negotiations yesterday and said he was "concerned—not everybody is ready to accept the results."

[Images (4)]

[Quotes (1)]

French Foreign Minister Bernard Kouchner in Kabul yesterday. He urged Afghanistan's political rivals to accept the findings of a fraud investigation that could trigger an electoral runoff. (AP Photo/Musadeq Sadeq)

A defaced and torn election poster of Afghan President Hamid Karzai is seen in Kabul, Afghanistan on Monday, Oct. 19, 2009. (AP Photo/Musadeq Sadeq)

US Sen. John Kerry, D-Mass, shakes hand with an Afghan youth at a bazaar during his visiting to Garmser district of Helmand province, Oct. 18, 2009. (AP Photo/Abdul Khaleq)

Torn and defaced election posters of Abdullah Abdullah in Kabul, Afghanistan on Monday, Oct. 19, 2009. (AP Photo/Musadeq Sadeq)

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The foreigners are trying to push a second round, and we are not going to participate. They don't respect our votes. Despite threats that the Taliban will cut off our nose and ears we 9voted). We won't do so again. - Supporter of Hamid Karzai

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Karzai Allies Get Tough on Recount