The main rival in Afghanistan's fraud-tainted election, Abdullah Abdullah, said Thursday he hoped investigations into ballot-stuffing allegations would result in a run-off. Afghanistan's August 20 elections remain overshadowed by allegations of fraud, mostly against the incumbent, Hamid Karzai, including findings by EU observers that a quarter of all votes, or 1.5 million ballots, were suspect.
The Independent Election Commission (IEC) is widely expected to make an announcement within days following an audit of suspicious ballots. Based on an order by the Election Complaints Commission (ECC), it will either declare a victor or, if Karzai's share falls below 50 percent, call for a run-off.
Abdullah told reporters he would favour a run-off as it would give the troubled process some credibility. "My preference is to go to a second round," he said. One of the loudest voices accusing Karzai of ballot-stuffing, Abdullah reiterated calls for the international community to ensure the election process is transparent and credible.
He said he believed a run-off was likely but said if one were not called "those who are behind the fraud and tolorate fraud will be responsible for the consequences." Karzai leads preliminary results with around 55 percent of the vote. He needs 50 percent plus one vote to be declared the winner. Abdullah has around 28 percent.
Preparations have been made for a run-off, a UN official said, with all necessary material ready to be shipped to polling stations across the country. Experts say any run-off must be held quickly as winter snow will soon make large parts of the country impassable. Abdullah's comments have in the past been interpreted as a tacit green light to his supporters to take to the streets against a Karzai win. But on Thursday he said: "We will react responsibly and patiently and lawfully."
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