KABUL (PAN): President Hamid Karzai has rejected the resignation of a senior Afghan member on the UN-backed Electoral Complaints Commission (ECC) and asked him to continue with his duties.

Karzai wrote on Commissioner Maulvi Mohammad Mustafa Barakzai's resignation letter: "While recognising your concerns, I believe the continuity of your valuable and sincere services as ECC member is in the larger interest of the Afghan nation."

According to a statement from the Presidential Palace, Karzai asked the ECC and Independent Election Commission (IEC) to address the concerns of the Afghan nation and Commissioner Barakzai.

On Monday, the commissioner announced quitting the panel, alleging his inputs were ignored by 'foreigners.' One of the two Afghans on the commission investigating election irregularities, he cited interference by foreigners as a reason for his decision. The aliens took all decisions on their own without consulting their Afghan counterparts, he claimed.

Confirming his resignation, the ECC voiced disappointment at his decision that came as the electoral watchdog prepared to announce the outcome of its probe into vote fraud charges.

However, the panel reiterated its dedication to the elections process, assuring it would continue to work openly and honestly in implementation of its mandate under the Afghan Electoral Law. "This will not distract the ECC from continuing to focus on the task at hand."

mud/pr