President Barack Obama on Tuesday welcomed Afghan President Hamid Karzai's decision to hold a second round of voting in the country's disputed presidential election after a U.N. commission, citing fraud, invalidated one-third of ballots cast for him. “I welcome President Karzai's statement today accepting the Independent Electoral Commission's (IEC's) certification of the August 20 election results, and agreeing to participate in a second round of the election,” Obama said in a statement. “President Karzai's constructive actions established an important precedent for Afghanistan's new democracy,” Obama said. “The Afghan constitution and laws are strengthened by President Karzai's decision, which is in the best interests of the Afghan people. … This is an important step forward in ensuring a credible process for the Afghan people which results in a government that reflects their will.” “It is now vital that all elements of Afghan society continue to come together to advance democracy, peace, and justice,” the U.S. president wrote. “We look forward to a second round of voting, and the completion of the process to choose the president of Afghanistan.” Obama congratulated Afghans for showing “patience and resilience” through the long election process, noting it was “extraordinary that they were able to overcome threats and violence to express their democratic right to choose their leader.” The U.S. president also commended the IEC and the Electoral Complaints Commission for carrying out their duties. “Throughout this process, the United States has been interested above all in the strength and independence of those institutions, and the need for them to fulfill their mandate on behalf of all Afghans.” --SPA
