Challenger refuses to participate in Afghan election runoff

Afghan challenger Abdullah Abdullah says he will not participate in the November 7 runoff presidential election after his demands for changes in the election commission were not met.

Mr Abdullah denounced the commission for fraud in the first round ballot August 20 and told supporters today that he offered demands to ensure a fair vote this time.

However, he says his proposals were rejected, so "I will not participate in the November 7 election."

He said a transparent election was not possible.