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Karzai's Rival May Boycott Runoff Vote

Abdullah demands overhaul of Afghan election commission

By Nick McMaster,  Newser Staff

Posted Oct 26, 2009 1:25 AM CDT

(Newser) – Afghan President Hamid Karzai’s strongest political challenger may boycott next month's planned runoff election if the country’s election commission is not completely purged of Karzai supporters. Abdullah Abdullah has consistently charged that without a commission overhaul the vote-rigging which marred the original election is bound to be repeated. Diplomats worry that Abdullah’s withdrawal could wreck the nation’s fragile democracy.

With the runoff nearing, both Karzai and Abdullah are jockeying for position. Karzai earlier rejected a power-sharing agreement with Abdullah, who voiced support for such a coalition over a run-off. Now "Abdullah sees the writing on the wall—that he's likely to lose a runoff. Now's the time for him to strike a deal if there is any chance of one," a UN official told the Washington Post.

Abdullah Abdullah speaks to his supporter in Kabul yesterday.
Abdullah Abdullah speaks to his supporter in Kabul yesterday.   (AP Photo/Farzana Wahidy)
US Sen. John Kerryshares a light moment with Afghan President Hamid Karzai during a press conference in Kabul, Afghanistan, last week.
US Sen. John Kerryshares a light moment with Afghan President Hamid Karzai during a press conference in Kabul, Afghanistan, last week.   (AP Photo/Musadeq Sadeq)
AAbdullah Abdullah speaks at gathering with his leading supporters in Kabul, Afghanistan, yesterday.
AAbdullah Abdullah speaks at gathering with his leading supporters in Kabul, Afghanistan, yesterday.   (AP Photo/Farzana Wahidy)
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COMMENTS
Showing 2 of 2 comments
Netstorm2k10
Oct 26, 2009 10:34 AM CDT
Good luck. Better have something the oligarchs want, or they won't even listen.
RogerMohajir
Oct 26, 2009 1:18 AM CDT
"Diplomats worry that Abdullah’s withdrawal could wreck the nation’s fragile democracy. " There is no democracy in Afghanistan, just periodic fraudulent elections. Elections do not equal democracy.

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