Afghan election commission delays release of full results to allow recounts, audits

KABUL – Afghanistan’s election commission has delayed a planned release of full results from the April 5 presidential election to allow for recounts and audits.

Wednesday’s announcement increases confusion surrounding the balloting to replace President Hamid Karzai, who is ineligible for a third term.

The results were expected on Thursday but Independent Election Commission director Ziaulhaq Amarkhil says they would be postponed until at least Saturday to ensure they are not tainted by fraud. The preliminary results then must be investigated by a separate commission before being finalized by May 14.

So far, partial results of about half the 7 million votes cast show former foreign minister Abdullah Abdullah in the lead and ex-finance minister Asraf Ghani Ahmadzai in second.

It’s unclear if either would secure a majority to avoid a runoff.

News from © The Associated Press, . All rights reserved.
This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.

Join the Conversation!

Want to share your thoughts, add context, or connect with others in your community?

Create a free account

The Associated Press

The Associated Press is an independent global news organization dedicated to factual reporting. Founded in 1846, AP today remains the most trusted source of fast, accurate, unbiased news in all formats and the essential provider of the technology and services vital to the news business. More than half the world’s population sees AP journalism every day.

Related Articles