Zalmai Rasoul announces support for Abdullah in election runoff

Zalmai Rasoul placed in third position in the unofficial results.

ISLAMABAD: As Afghanistan heads to an election runoff, the leading presidential candidate Dr Abdullah Abdullah Sunday won support of Dr Zalmai Rasoul.

Zalmai Rasoul, who was considered President Hamid Karzai's choice, placed in third position in the unofficial results.

Former Afghan foreign minister Dr Abdullah was ahead of his close rival Dr Ashraf Ghani, however he could not secure the required 50 plus one percent vote.

The second round will be held in mid-June, according to the country's Independent Election Commission.

The date is likely to be announced after the official results are to be announced on May 14. Some election officials have suggested the runoff could be held on June 17.

Dr Zalmai Rasoul appeared at a joint press conference with Dr Abdullah in Kabul and announced he would support Dr Abdullah in the runoff.

Rasoul's first running mate, Ahmad Zia Massoud, did not appear during the presser, Tolo TV reported.

"Our platforms were similar to Zalmai Rasoul and this brought us together," Dr Abdullah said at a press conference, Tolo TV reported.

He urged the election authorities to ensure transparency in the election process.