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Karzai says he will win Afghan presidential election

by albertacowpoke | August 13, 2009 at 03:44 am

174 views | 28 Recommendations | 5 comments

Afghanistan will have its second ever election next Thursday (20th of August 2009). More than 100,000 and 175,000 Afghan security forces have been deployed to provide security.

In a statement today, Afghanistan President Hamid Karzai seemed to make offerings to his contenders to avoid a backlash of the outcome of elections.

Karzai said that he would win next week's election. In his announcement he seemed to offer a deal to his main opponents, by offering them a position in government. Tensions over the election results would not be helpful while Afghanistan is involved in an insurgency.

"I will invite Dr. Abdullah, I will invite Ashraf Ghani, give them food and tea and give them jobs, as I did last time."

Karzai's opponents said, not Karzai ,but the people will decide the election results.

Although Karzai leads in the polls, it appears at this point that there will have to be a run-off election, since he has under 50% support.

KABUL -- Afghan President Hamid Karzai said Thursday he will win next week's presidential election and will offer government positions to his top two challengers.

Karzai's announcement seemed designed to offer a pre-election deal to his main rivals and offset any postelection tension at a time when large parts of Afghanistan are embroiled in an insurgency.

Afghans vote next Thursday for president, their second-ever direct presidential election. More than 100,000 international troops and 175,000 Afghan forces are deployed to provide security.

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MilanSturgis

at 05:56 on August 13th, 2009

Thank you for the story Karl. Things are becoming more interesting these days here.

albertacowpoke

at 05:59 on August 13th, 2009

It sure is becoming interesting. Most think that Karzai will require a run off election. Thank you for your comments and recommendation Milan, I appreciate it.

Paschen

at 08:27 on August 13th, 2009

He is almost suspect(ifly) certain of him self.

J2B (not verified)

at 08:42 on August 13th, 2009

I think it's shocking, and that seems to be the view of many Afghans that Karzai has pardoned drug dealers during his election campaign.

President Karzai of Afghanistan recently pardoned five men sentenced to 16-18 years for the movement of 120kg of heroin. One of those released was the nephew of the campaign manager to Mr Karzai’s election campaign.

It appears that pardons will buy votes for Karzai! Difficult to have any further respect for him! If I was voting, I guess I would vote for the guy going around on a bicycle and funding his own campaign!