As vote draws nears, Ahmadzai’s support swells

KABUL (Pajhwok): Some political and religious groups, as well as tribal councils, on Thursday announced support the Change and Continuity team, led by presidential runner Dr. Ashraf Ghani Ahmadzai.

Thousands of people gathered in Kabul, pledging they would vote for the ex-finance minister in the June 14 runoff election. Ahmadzai faces Dr. Abdullah Abdullah in the straight contest.

Muhammad Ayub Qaim, head the of Turkmen Grand Council, Gul Muhammad Zori, the Zori tribal chief, Aminullah Amin, the National and Islamic Movement head, and others spoke on the occasion.

They decided to back the former minister for the sake of a positive change after days of negotiations and consultations with respective tribes and colleagues.  They said Ahmadzai had tangible programmes to promote national interests.

Ahmadzai’s campaign manager, Anwar-ul-Haq Ahadi, thanked the councils and tribes for their unflinching support. He assured the team would serve all Afghans irrespective of their political affiliations.

“Ahmadzai has the capability of introducing reforms for the well-being of the common Afghans,” Ahadi observed, saying the ex-World Bank economist had a clear vision for the country’s progress and prosperity.

In southeastern Khost province, hundreds of tribal elders, religious scholars, youth and civil society activists also vowed to vote for Ahmadzai.

A resident of Ismailkhel district, Haji Mirbaz Khan, feared security problems could erupt during the second round of polls but they would vote.

Rasul Mohammad, a Thanai tribal elder, claimed Ahmadzai would mitigate Afghanistan’s plight if he was elected president. “We support his plans for a future government.”

Another elder from Sabari district, Haji Khan Zaman, asked the Independent Election Commission (IEC) to work in coordination with other government entities to check attempts at fraud in the runoff.

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