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Karzai pledges 'clean' government | Karzai pledges 'clean' government |
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Afghan President Hamid Karzai has pledged to lead a "clean" government, a day after winning a new five-year term. | Afghan President Hamid Karzai has pledged to lead a "clean" government, a day after winning a new five-year term. |
In his first remarks since being declared winner of August's fraud-marred election, he said he would "eradicate the stain" of corruption. | In his first remarks since being declared winner of August's fraud-marred election, he said he would "eradicate the stain" of corruption. |
He also pledged an inclusive government for anyone who wanted to work with him whether they supported or opposed him. | He also pledged an inclusive government for anyone who wanted to work with him whether they supported or opposed him. |
Poll officials scrapped a planned run-off after Mr Karzai's challenger pulled out, saying the vote would not be free. | Poll officials scrapped a planned run-off after Mr Karzai's challenger pulled out, saying the vote would not be free. |
Mr Karzai said in Tuesday's news conference in Kabul it would have been better if Abdullah Abdullah, the former foreign minister, had taken part in the vote, which was scheduled for 7 November. | |
The administration of Mr Karzai - who was first elected president in 2004 - has been accused of widespread corruption. | |
On Monday, US President Barack Obama asked Mr Karzai to intensify efforts to eradicate it. | On Monday, US President Barack Obama asked Mr Karzai to intensify efforts to eradicate it. |
"Afghanistan has been defamed by corruption. Our government has been defamed by corruption," Mr Karzai said, according to AFP news agency. | |
"We will strive, by any means possible, to eradicate this stain." | |
Hundreds of thousands of votes were discounted from August's first round, including almost a third of ballots cast for Mr Karzai. | |
Dr Abdullah had demanded the removal of key poll officials before he would participate in a second round, which Mr Karzai had been the favourite to win. |