Obama stresses acceptance of audit results

WASHINGTON (Pajhwok): US President Barack Obama on Friday called presidential candidates Dr Ashraf Ghani Ahmedzai and Dr. Abdullah to discuss with them the ongoing count of ballots and the need to accept the results. 

“Earlier today, the president spoke with Afghan presidential candidates Dr. Abdullah and Dr. Ashraf Ghani to thank them for their leadership in reaching an agreement to form a national unity government,” the White House press secretary said.

Josh Earnest told reporters at his daily news conference that Obama stressed the need for accepting the outcome of the full audit of ballots in the June 14th runoff election that was undertaken by the election commissions.

“He commended the two candidates for putting the interests of Afghanistan first and committing to working together as partners in governance. Noting that the audit is steadily progressing, the president encouraged both candidates to publicly endorse their previously agreed political framework and continue their dialogue on the details of its implementation…” Earnest added.

Obama reiterated there was no justification for rhetoric that threatened extra-constitutional measures, and urged the presidential hopefuls to continue to move forward in the spirit of collegiality to maintain national unity during the historic democratic transition, the spokesperson said.

He indicated Secretary of State John Kerry would continue his close consultations with the candidates and President Hamid Karzai in the days to come. “The president also reaffirmed the enduring American commitment to the Afghan people and their future,” Earnest said.

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