KABUL (PAN): Dr. Ashraf Ghani Ahmadzai, a key challenger to President Hamid Karzai in the upcoming election, has ruled out withdrawal from the presidential race in favour of any contender.
At a news conference here on Wednesday, the distinguished economist spurned recent international media reports that he was on the verge of cutting secret deal with President Hamid Karzai before election day.
The former finance minister strongly urged his compatriots to turn out in force on August 20 to elect a leader of their choice for the next five years. More than 40 people including former ministers and women are in the run for the top office.
Widely seen as a dark horse, the ex-chancellor of Kabul University insisted reports about his pullout from the election were far from true, and that he would firmly stay in the fray -- which is just eight days away.
Earlier in the week, an influential US daily reported that senior Obama administration officials were expressing a renewed interest in the creation of a chief executive office in post-poll Afghanistan. The occupant would serve under President Hamid Karzai if he wins a second term.
"The latest US overtures have focused on Ashraf Ghani, a former finance minister who is challenging Karzai for the presidency," according to the Washington Post, which quoting a campaign aide to Ghani as saying both Ambassador Karl W. Eikenberry and Af-Pak envoy Richard C. Holbrooke had made recent trips to Kabul to discuss the idea.
According to another report, Karzai is interested in a bargain with Ghani to avoid the chaos that a run-off election may cause and eliminate the chances of ex-foreign minister Dr. Abdullah Abdullah.
Earlier in the day, Ghani hosted a gathering of hundred of women at his residence in Kabul. The women from the Malal Company announced their support for the widely respected technocrat, with a doctorate from Columbia University.
Translated & edited by S. Mudassir Ali Shah
