Karzai for final poll results on schedule

KABUL (Pajhwok): Dubbing the April 5 vote a giant leap forward in achieving peace and stability, President Hamid Karzai on Thursday hoped for the final results to be announced to the waiting masses on schedule.

In a radio speech, Karzai said the presidential and provincial council elections had been a success and strong evidence that the Afghans believed in democracy.

He said the unprecedented turnout, estimated at 60 per cent of 12 million eligible votes, showed the Afghans had complete faith in themselves that they had the capacity to progress and prepare themselves and their country in line with present day demands.

Karzai said important stages of the elections had gone successful with the help of Almighty Allah and due to people’s cooperation with the authorities. “It should be our collective effort to conclude the remaining stages successfully as well.”

He said the Independent Election Commission and the Complaints Commission were investigating complaints and the process was on track and fast.

The president hoped the final results would be announced on schedule and the new president and his new government would be able to take successful steps in achieving more progress, peace and stability.

He said the countrymen were expecting the two electoral institutions that they would complete the remaining stages in a transparent and judicious way to meet their expectations.

“We believe that our respected candidates will endorse and respect the public mandate so as the country enters a new bright chapter of stability, confidence and democracy.”

Initial results based on 10 percent of the vote from 26 out of 34 provinces showed Dr Abdullah in the lead with 41.9 per cent and Ashraf Ghani in second place with 37.6 per cent. Final results are expected on 14 May.

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