Karzai closer to Afghan election win

With half the votes counted and interim leader Hamid Karzai still holding a 40-point lead, the race for the Afghan presidency could be virtually decided today, a top election official said.

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