The IEC declared Karzai a victorious candidate on Monday following withdrawal of Dr. Abdullah from the run-off polls earlier slated for November 7.

Speaking at a news conference here on Wednesday, Abdullah claimed the IEC decision had 'no legal basis.' Without elaborating the legal intricacies to support his claim, Abdullah said the government could not eliminate corruption as it was appointed by an 'illegitimate election commission.'

"The government appointed by a commission, which has ruined its own legitimacy, can't ensure the rule of law in the country and can't fight administrative corruption," he added.

Abdullah said he was asking for justice following the disclosure of fraud in the first round of polls. However, he alleged, the election commission spoiled the process and trust of people by not responding to his complaint in an appropriate manner. "It was peoples' right to know what happened to their votes," he added.

Discussing the prevailing situation in the country, Abdullah said the government was lacking the people's support and would not be able to address the challenges faced by the country. He asked his supporters to stay calm and abide by the law in their struggle for achieving their rights.

Abdullah said he would continue serving the country as a common Afghan and was ready to render any kind of sacrifice for the national interest.

To a question, the presidential contestant said he was not interested in joining the next cabinet. Abdullah said he had forwarded simple conditions for the run-off polls, but the authorities concerned did not pay any heed.

He hailed the support of international community, but said such support needed an effective and strong legal system for its implementation.

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