Speaking at a press conference after addressing a rally of his supporters at the Loya Jirga tent here on Sunday, Abdullah said he took the decision to pull out of the race after prolong discussions with his supporters and close aides. He said his decision was meant for keeping
Abdullah's withdrawal from the election handed the incumbent president a victory but raised doubts on the credibility of the new government.
The runner up in the August 20 president election said it was up to the people and the law of
Former Foreign Minister said he made his decision after his appeals for changes in the Independent Election Commission were turned down by Karzai government.
Before the announcement,
"I don't think it has anything to do with the legitimacy of the election," Clinton told reporters Saturday in Abu Dhabi. "It's a personal choice which may or may not be made."
Abdullah, who answered a volley of questions at the press conference also attended by a large number of foreign media representatives, said he would continue to serve his country as he had been serving since last 25 years.
To a question, he said it was not the matter of a victory or defeat, but he wanted the wishes of the Afghan people come true.
Abdullah also thanked the international community for its support towards reconstruction of the war-torn country and the efforts the world community had undertaken for giving the Afghans their right to vote.
"There is a great need for strengthening our country's institutions for better services to our people," he told the press conference.
He said the people of his country were denied to exercise their right to vote for decades. He said his decision to quit the runoff was based on national interest.
He called on his supporters to remain calm and exhibit patience as any reaction would not be in the interest of the nation.
Earlier, speaking at the rally of his supporters at the Loya Jirga tent, Dr. Abdullah alleged the commission perpetrated widespread fraud during the first round held on August 20.
Dr. Abdullah said his demands for changes in the election commission to ensure a fair vote weren't met.
Abdullah also said the Afghan people should not accept results of an election from the current election commission. He told his supporters President Hamid Karzai's government had not been legitimate since its mandate expired last May.
Abdullah and others have charged that massive fraud occurred in the first round of voting on August 20. The initial results gave Karzai the win, but a subsequent review by a U.N.-backed panel of election monitors threw out nearly one-third of Karzai's votes because of "clear and convincing evidence of fraud."
The Afghan constitution says that any vote cast for a candidate who withdraws will not be counted.
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