Daudzai mulls jumping into presidential race

KABUL’s ambassador in Islamabad may jump into the 2014 presidential election, a Pakistani newspaper reported on Thursday.

Consultations on Omar Daudzai’s nomination for the slot had been ongoing for a long time among President Hamid Karzai’s close confidants, a report in The Express Tribune said.

Quoting unnamed sources, the daily said Karzai would not support his brother for the highest constitutional office. Under the constitution, Karzai cannot run for a third term.

One Afghan official, privy to the consultations in Kabul, told the paper: “President Karzai will never want to leave behind a legacy of his family member replacing him.”

For his part, Daudzai also hinted at his candidacy for the election. But he said he would hold further consultations before making a formal announcement.

“I cannot say I am a candidate. Also, I cannot say I am not a candidate,” the ambassador said. “I need to further think and consult and then I will make a decision.”

PAN Monitor/mud

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