Abdul Ghani Kazimi, head of the party told a news conference here on Sunday that Karzai was the proper candidate for the presidential slot as he was well aware of the country's politics and had maintained national unity in the previous years.

Therefore, he said, the Harkat-i-Islami would fully support the incumbent president in his struggle for another term in office.

The participants called Karzai a moderate, realistic, willing to accept criticism, respectful to political and civil freedoms and a talented person.

Speaking on the occasion, head of party's executive council Abdul Qayum Danish said although Karzai's government had some weaknesses, but his positive points were more than that. "This is why, we support him in the upcoming polls," he added. The party had supported Karzai in the August 20 polls.

Meanwhile, more than 200 tribal elders announced their support for President Karzai in Kunduz province on Sunday. The elders said foreign intervention forced Karzai to accept the run-off process and they would definitely cast their vote in favour of the president in the upcoming polls.

The second term election is scheduled to be held on November 7. Polling has already started on Saturday. Karzai has to face his former foreign minister Dr. Abdullah in the election.

ss/dk