Watchdog finds fraud as Karzai nears poll win

With nearly all the results declared, Hamid Karzai is on course for outright victory in Afghanistan’s presidential election. But, for the first time, a United Nations-backed watchdog has made public accusations of irregularities and ordered a partial recount.

The Electoral Complaints Commission, led by a Canadian and mainly appointed by the UN, said it had found “clear and convincing evidence of fraud.” In one village, Karzai reportedly received every single vote cast. Results from over 600 polling stations have been set aside, amid suspicions. The outgoing leader currently has 54 percent of the vote. His nearest rival Abdullah Abdullah has 28 percent.More about: Afghanistan

Copyright © 2012 euronews