Prominent Ghani Supporter Speaks On Afghan Election Controversy

Daud Sultanzoi, a former Afghan presidential candidate who endorsed Ashraf Ghani ahead of the June 14 runoff vote, said allegations of fraud that led to the resignation of the country's election chief must be thoroughly investigated. In an interview with RFE/RL's Frud Bezhan in Kabul, Sultanzoi said Ghani's campaign team would be open to a UN role in the vote-counting process as an observer, but insisted on the ultimate authority of the Afghan election authorities. He also said that early returns indicate that Ghani has a lead of more than 1 million votes over his opponent, Abdullah Abdullah -- a number that exceeds initial estimates by Abdullah's camp.