Karzai defends election integrity

12 April 2012

Afghanistan's president has said last month's election had integrity, but that some government officials "were partial toward me."

The statement appeared to be President Hamid Karzai's first public acknowledgment of fraud by his supporters during the August 20 vote and its aftermath.

He spoke to reporters after full preliminary results showed him with a comfortable lead over challenger Abdullah Abdullah.

Widespread reports of fraud still need to be investigated before results are finalised and observers have said enough votes are questionable that Mr Karzai could still be forced into a runoff with Mr Abdullah.

Mr Karzai held back from declaring victory, talking only of plans he will implement "if I am declared president."

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