Originally posted by the Voice of America.
Voice of America content is produced by the Voice of America,
a United States federal government-sponsored entity, and is in
the public domain.


A Leading Afghan Presidential Candidate Suspends Campaign

Ayaz Gul

   ISLAMABAD - A leading Afghan presidential candidate suspended his
   campaign Thursday, casting increasing doubt that the elections will be
   held as scheduled on Sept. 28.

   Mohammad Hanif Atmar, a former national security adviser to President
   Ashraf Ghani, had emerged as one of his leading contenders in the
   coming presidential polls. Atmar's campaign has cited security issues
   as well as the ongoing peace process as reasons for the suspension.

   Even though the Atmar campaign was mired in internal disputes, the
   announcement comes as another blow to an election already in doubt.

   A few days ago, the Taliban issued a statement calling the elections
   "nothing more than a ploy to deceive the common people" and threatening
   to target election rallies.

   A deal between the United States and Taliban could be reached this
   month, possibly announcing a timeline for a U.S. troop withdrawal from
   the country and paving the way to the start of intra-Afghan talks. A
   15-member team from Afghanistan that includes representatives of
   various political factions, including the government, women,
   minorities, and civil society is expected to negotiate the future of
   Afghanistan with the Taliban, including possible changes in the
   constitution.

   "If an intra-Afghan track of the peace process opens (i.e.,
   negotiations between the government and Taliban), then there may be a
   decision to postpone elections, ideally to ultimately accommodate the
   Taliban participating in the electoral process," said Richard Olson, a
   former U.S. special representative for Afghanistan and Pakistan.

.