Afghan President Hamid Karzai officially registered on Monday to stand for re-election, solidifying his support by naming two prominent members of the Tajik and Hazara minorities as running mates. "I have taken this decision for the welfare and interest of the people of Afghanistan," Karzai, who has led Afghanistan since 2001, said of his decision to seek another term. As the Aug. 20 election draws closer, Karzai appears to be in an all but unassailable position, with the opposition struggling to name a contender with a broad enough base of support to win, according to a report of Reuters. Karzai spoke to reporters outside the offices of the Independent Election Commission in Kabul, flanked by his running mates, shortly after signing his registration form. "We will endeavor to bring security, peace and tranquility to Afghanistan," he said. "As in the past, we will make mistakes ... but we will be in the service of the Afghan nation."
