KABUL - Afghanistan's President Ashraf Ghani appeared to have secured a second term Sunday, narrowly scoring an outright win in preliminary polling results, but his main rival immediately vowed to challenge the tally.
After months of political limbo and bitter allegations of fraud and corruption in the September 28 poll, Afghanistan's Independent Election Commission (IEC) said Ghani had won 50.64 percent of the vote.
If it holds, the result is enough for Ghani to avoid a run-off. He easily beat his top challenger, Chief Executive Abdullah Abdullah, who scored 39.52 percent.
A jubilant Ghani gave a televised address, shouting triumphantly while flanked by his two vice presidents. He stopped short of declaring himself winner, but said the election results were a "victory" for all of Afghanistan.
"A government worthy of this great nation will be built," Ghani said.
Candidates now have a few days to file any complaints before final results are announced, probably within weeks. Abdullah's office immediately said it would contest the vote.
"We would like to make it clear once again to our people, supporters, election commission and our international allies that our team will not accept the result of this fraudulent vote unless our legitimate demands are addressed," his office said in a statement.
Abdullah lost to Ghani in 2014 in a divisive election that saw the US intervene to broker an awkward power-sharing deal between the two rivals.
US ambassador to Afghanistan John Bass said it was vital the full electoral process plays out.
"It's important for all Afghans to remember: these results are preliminary. Many steps remain before final election results are certified, to ensure the Afghan people have confidence in the results," Bass wrote on Twitter.
Preliminary results were originally due October 19 but were repeatedly delayed amid technical issues and allegations of fraud from various candidates, particularly Abdullah.
Observers and candidates have blasted the IEC over its handling of the count and its repeated disregard of the electoral calendar.(FA)
