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Afghan Chief Executive Abdullah Claims Victory in Presidential Election

Ayesha Tanzeem

   KABUL - The main rival of Afghan President Ashraf Ghani, Chief
   Executive Abdullah Abdullah, is claiming victory in Afghanistan's
   presidential election, ahead of the release of any official results.

   Abdullah told reporters Monday that he has "the most votes" in the
   election that was held Saturday.

   Election officials however said that Abdullah's declaration is
   premature as official results have yet to be announced.

   The process of counting votes in Afghanistan is long. Ballot boxes have
   to arrive from far off places with little or no communication lines.
   The preliminary results are not expected for a few weeks.

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