Karzai set for landslide victory

WITH half the votes counted and interim leader Hamid Karzai holding a 40-point lead, the race for the Afghan presidency appeared to have been virtually decided yesterday, a top election official said.

Barring a major shock from an investigation by foreign experts into allegations of electoral fraud brought by Mr Karzai’s challengers, the US-backed incumbent appears set for a landslide victory, bringing him the simple majority required.

“Today’s figures should produce something in excess of 60% and it should be fairly clear what the situation is,” said Reginald Austin, chief technical adviser to the election’s UN and Afghan organisers.