Abdullah claims win, to unveil cabinet soon

KABUL (Pajhwok): Supporters of Dr. Abdullah Abdullah on Tuesday declared him as new president, but the former foreign minister urged them to demonstrate patience.

The Independent Election Commission (IEC) announced the preliminary results of the presidential vote on Monday, with Dr. Ashraf Ghani Ahmadzai taking lead over his rival.

While rejecting the announcement, the Reform and Unanimity team staged a protest in the Loya Jirga tent in Kabul. The participants tore apart President Hamid Karzai’s portrait and replaced it with that of Abdullah.   

Speaking to emotionally-charged supporters, Abdullah said: “We are the winners and will never allow a government to be formed on the basis of fraudulent votes. I will not compromise genuine votes of my supporters.”

People from different parts of the country had been asking him to form his own cabinet, Abdullah said, adding that he had sought sometime for taking a decision.

“The people of Afghanistan want me to announce my government today. This is a demand from the people and cannot ignore this. Once again I ask you to give me a few days to consult and speak.”

He held a telephonic conversation with the president and foreign secretary of the United States and both had assured him of separating fraudulent votes from genuine ballots. Kerry would visit Kabul on Friday.

Meanwhile, Dr. Ashraf Ghani Ahmadzai’s camp welcomed the election results, saying all complaints should be addressed by the Independent Electoral Complaint Commission (IECC).

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