WASHINGTON, Oct. 9 (UPI) -- It is vital for the international community to allow Afghan election monitors to eliminate the fraud discovered during the voting process, U.S. officials say.
The Independent Election Commission of Afghanistan and the U.N.-backed Electoral Complaints Commission began a formal auditing process of sweeping allegations of fraud in the Aug. 20 elections.
The international community lauded Afghanistan for its ability to conduct independent elections, though allegations of fraud surfaced almost immediately.
Amid disputes among Afghan lawmakers and within the United Nations, Washington urged patience while the IEC and EEC conducted their work.
"This process continues to move forward, and we need to give it the time, space, and support it needs to conduct the incredible review of allegations of fraud and irregularities in the election," said Ian Kelly, a spokesman for the U.S. State Department.
Uncertified results give incumbent President Hamid Karzai the clear majority needed to secure a second term in office. The degree of fraud could determine if a runoff election is needed between Karzai and his closest rival, former Foreign Minister Abdullah Abdullah.
