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Runoff Canceled; Karzai Named Victor

Second term a done deal after opponent dropped out

By the Associated Press

Posted Nov 2, 2009 7:48 AM CST

(AP) – Afghanistan's Karzai-appointed Independent Election Commission proclaimed President Hamid Karzai the victor of the war-ravaged nation's tumultuous ballot today, canceling a planned runoff two and a half months after a fraud-marred first round. The news came a day after his challenger, Abdullah Abdullah, dropped out of the runoff, and hours after UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon arrived in Kabul on a surprise visit, as international pressure mounted for a quick resolution to the country's electoral turmoil.

The cancellation of the weekend vote will be a huge relief to organizers, who were scrambling to hold the election before the onset of Afghanistan's harsh winter, which was likely to close roads in the north and prevent voters from casting ballots. A bigger fear was security: A Taliban spokesman had threatened violence against anyone who took part.

An election poster of Afghanistan President Hamid Karzai is seen as supporters of challenger Abdullah Abdullah leave a gathering in which Abdullah announced his withdrawal from the runoff election. (Musadeq Sadeq)

Afghanistan's presidential challenger Abdullah Abdullah after he announced his decision not to participate in Afghanistan's runoff in Kabul, Afghanistan, Sunday, Nov. 1, 2009. (Musadeq Sadeq)

UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon inspects Afghanistan's honor guard with President Hamid Karzai in Kabul, Afghanistan, Monday, Nov. 2, 2009. The UN chief made a surprise visit to Afghanistan today. (Musadeq Sadeq)

UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon and Afghan President Hamid Karzai shake hands upon arrival at the presidential palace in Kabul, Afghanistan, Monday, Nov. 2, 2009. (Musadeq Sadeq)

UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon waves upon arrival at the presidential palace with Afghan President Hamid Karzai, left in foreground, in Kabul, Afghanistan, Monday, Nov. 2, 2009. (Musadeq Sadeq)

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Runoff Canceled; Karzai Named Victor

Second term a done deal after opponent dropped out

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Taliban: Prince Harry Shouldn't Kill

'Captain Wales' to return to Afghanistan this year; he'll be Taliban target

CIA Fills Void in Iraq, Afghanistan

Agency expects to maintain large stations there for years

US Eyes Switch to Special Ops in Afghanistan

Focus to be on training, special missions, not policing

Afghan Civilian Deaths Hit New High

More than 3K killed, mostly by Taliban

Panetta: US Combat Role in Afghanistan Over in 2013

But American, NATO troops will still have 'robust' advisory role

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Runoff Canceled; Karzai Named Victor

Second term a done deal after opponent dropped out

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OTHER STORIES ON OUR RADAR

Afghanistan • Hamid Karzai • Abdullah Abdullah • Afghan election

MOST POPULAR STORIES

[ By Views ]

[ By Comments ]

More Newser Stories

Taliban: Prince Harry Shouldn't Kill

'Captain Wales' to return to Afghanistan this year; he'll be Taliban target

CIA Fills Void in Iraq, Afghanistan

Agency expects to maintain large stations there for years

US Eyes Switch to Special Ops in Afghanistan

Focus to be on training, special missions, not policing

Afghan Civilian Deaths Hit New High

More than 3K killed, mostly by Taliban

Panetta: US Combat Role in Afghanistan Over in 2013

But American, NATO troops will still have 'robust' advisory role

About Us

Site

Newser By Users

Community

Site Maps

Tools

More News

What is Newser?