I like him. He came forward to lead Afghanistan after the USA's retaliation from September 11, 2001. He didn't have to return to that country, but, he did.
He has dedicated himself to helping the people of Afghanistan through a time when other leaders would have quite. You can't tell me the corruption that overran Afghanistan AFTER the USA turned its efforts toward Iraq, didn't break his heart.
I do not believe for one minute that President Karzai accepts or encourages the corruption. It occurred because the Taliban began to overrun the country and Pakistan was already dominated by them under Musharraf. He didn't have a dedicated military with enough men to fight back or even hold their own and the Taliban instituted the economy of corruption to control the people. It wasn't just 'religion' that was going to hold them in servitude, it was creating an economy they were all dependant upon. People had no choice and in the case of President Karzai it was everything he could do to maintain 'order' and keep the country operating within the definitions of its new Constitution.
Today, Pakistan has new leadership and the USA a far better President and the NATO allies a new hope while dedicating more troops to the Afghan effort. It is turning around, ever so carefully it is turning around.
The victory of Abdullah Abdullah in the elections earlier this year to force a run off vote, is a victory for President Karzai as well. He maintained the Constitution's 'integrity' during very difficult times. Without his dedication to his country and people we would be looking at a very different scenario in Afghanistan.
I look forward to the run off election between two of the most dedicated men I have ever witnessed in a country so very neglected for so long. Both men are eminently qualified and will serve their people well. I wish them both luck and to President Karzai, be proud of the Constitution you protected and the ability of the people of Afghanistan to 'choose' leadership rather than have it impossed.
Afghanistan Electoral Complaints Commission (click here)
The Afgan ECC carried out research to substantiate their findings. It was important they conducted a good investigation to uphold the Afghan Constitution.
From the "Guardian":
...Still with us? These are the categories used by the EEC (here's the official explanation) for their sample search:
• A1 Polling stations in which 600 or more valid votes were cast. 545 stations, 55 sampled• B1 Polling stations with more than 100 votes in which one candidate received 95 percent or more of the total votes cast. 1270 stations, 124 sampled
C1 Polling stations in which 600 or more valid votes were cast AND in which one candidate received 95% or more of the total votes cast. 741 stations, 82 sampled
A2 Polling stations in which 600 or more total votes were cast, except those already covered in A1. 299 stations, 30 sampled
B2 Polling stations in which one candidate received 95 percent or more of the total valid votes cast, except those already covered in B1. 401 stations, 40 sampled
C2 Polling stations in which 600 or more total votes were cast AND in which one candidate received 95% or more of the valid votes. 121 stations, 14 sampled
You can go through the full results, and their locations on the google spreadsheet below. Can you visualise the data?
Spreadsheet Data (click here)
The Afghan ECC did a great job. Congratulations !
Example of their work, 'on the spreadsheet' is Polling Station ECC Number 80101301, Category A1 states, "50% uniform markings, 100 or more ballots marked with felt marker; missing materials."
Can't argue with that, it is corruption of the Election Method in that district. Time for a change in the 'infrastructure' in that polling district.
