An internationally respected academic and a veteran of the ousted Taliban regime entered Afghanistan's race for the presidency on Thursday, signing up to contest the landmark August election. The deadline for candidates to register closes on Friday.
The Independent Election Commission then has a week to vet applications - with 24 received so far - before announcing the final list of contenders to run the country. Former university chancellor, finance minister and World Bank executive Ashraf Ghani pledged "total and fundamental change" as he registered.
"If you want a new beginning, we are at your service," he told reporters. Ghani, 60, puts up one of the strongest challenges to incumbent President Hamid Karzai, who dismayed the United Nations this week by signing up to run with notorious warlord Mohammad Qasim Fahim in the August 20 ballot.
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