Karzai’s arch-rival presidential candidate Dr. Abdullah Abdullah rejected any chances of an expected deal for power sharing between him and the incumbent President Hamid Karzai reiterating his absolute resolve to “defend his rights through legal processes”

He was speaking to a crowd of his supporters in Kabul. He claimed of having enough evidence of government’s involvement in what he called ‘fraud in elections’. Abdullah Adullah is the main rival candidate whose vote bank could take Karzai to a run off elections.

He has time and again claimed of fraud and irregular practices in the elections of August 20 this year. He has called for sealing of the ballot boxes about whose health there are doubts. With the announcement of about 50% of the counted votes Karzai still leads with over 45% while he is closely followed by Abdullah Abdullah at 33.2%.

Speaking to a group of his supporters from the southern provinces Dr. Abdullah reaffirmed his commitment to defend his rights and the rights of those who had voted for him. He said, “I assure you that I won’t deal (compromise) on your rights. I am not ready to strike any deal for power, chair or any other promises. It’s a promise to you all.”

Abdullah Abdullah maintained that widespread fraud has taken place in favor of Hamid Karzai. However, the offices of Karzai have rejected any such practice.

The election results are due in a couple of weeks. The Election Complaints Commission has reported over 2000 cases of complaints with over 500 of them of ‘serious nature’. The results of Complaint Commission’s assessment haven’t been declared yet but officials believe that in case such a fraud is proved, it could affect the overall outcome of this election.

US and UN have asked the candidates to accept and tolerate their defeat positively and not allow their supporters for mass street violence. But the question still is ‘who will bell the cat?’ I don’t think accepting defeat in Afghanistan has a history. Rule of jungle is still the case but let’s hope to see wisdom spring out of our so called leader’s minds.