No major fraud in election: Afghan Prez

Kabul, Sep 17: President Hamid Karzai denied the occurrence of major vote-rigging and urged the foreign allies not to interfere in investigations over electoral fraud.

"If there is fraud, it has to be investigated, but investigated fairly and without prejudice," Karzai said.

"I hope our foreign friends respect the people of Afghanistan and let the IEC (Independent Election Commission) and the ECC (Electoral Complaints Commission) fulfil their work without interference."

Many irregularities were reported in the second presidential election held on Thursday, Aug 20.

"Media has reported major fraud. It wasn't that big. If there was fraud, it was small -- it happens all over the world," said Karzai.

However, the European Union Election Observation Mission to Afghanistan on Wednesday, Sep 16, said that they identified 1.5 million votes which, could be fraudulent, with 1.1 of those cast for Karzai.

OneIndia News