Afghanistan awaits promised deal, poll results
Afghanistan's messy post-election uncertainty appeared close to resolution on Sunday. The commission that oversaw June's election said it would publish the final results. And, aides to the candidates said both would sign a power-sharing deal.
The moves could break a three-month political deadlock that has further destabilized Afghanistan as the US-led military coalition prepares to end its 13-year war against the Taliban.
A spokesman for outgoing President Hamid Karzai, Aimal Faizi, said late on Saturday that "both candidates are expected to sign an agreement on the structure of a National Unity (government)" during a ceremony with Karzai.
Faizullah Zaki, a spokesman for ex-finance minister Ghani said "both camps have agreed 100 percent on everything."
Mujib Rahimi, a spokesman for former foreign minister Abdullah also confirmed that a deal had been struck, but did not give details.
Speculation on posts
Media speculation suggested that Ghani would become president, with Abdullah nominating who would fill the post of "chief executive," possibly taking on the post himself.
Ghani is widely supported by Pashtuns, Afghanistan's largest ethnic group, while Abdullah derives his support from the ethnic Tajik and Hazara communities.
Independent Election Commission (IEC) spokesman Noor Mohammad said the "final result" would be announced on Sunday.
Fraud accusations engulfed the election count after polling in the June 14 run-off. Ghani and Abdullah had emerged as finishers in April's first round.
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Afghanistan awaits promised deal, poll results