Afghan opposition candidates reject polls, call for new election

www.chinaview.cn 2004-10-09 21:31:46

KABUL, Oct. 9 (Xinhuanet) -- Afghan President Karzai's opponents have described the undergoing presidential election as "unfair" and called for new election.

"This presidential election is a bogus one, its result is unacceptable and so we demand holding new election," a resolution issued at the end of the rival candidates' lengthy meeting said.

The resolution read out by Karzai's arch rival Sattar Sirat categorically stated that "any government comes to power through this fake election would have no legitimacy."

The opposition which had several times in the past accused President Karzai of misusing government machinery, on Saturday alleged misconduct of the officials at the polling stations, a claim which has been refuted by concerned circles.

In the meantime, the joint UN-Afghan election commission rejected any malpractice in Saturday's exercise but promised to initiate a probe into the allegations.

Afghanistan's first presidential balloting which began at 7:00 a.m. on Saturday has been extended for two hours to 6:00 p.m. in the evening.

The 15-member loose alliance of the rival candidates who earlier threatened to boycott the election if Karzai fails to resign from office, has failed to challenge Karzai from a united platform.

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