Preliminary results put Ghani ahead in Afghanistan

2014-07-07 46

A celebration on the streets of Kabul.

Supporters of Afghan presidential contender Ashraf Ghani are jumping with joy.

(SOUNDBITE) (Pashto) GHANI SUPPORTER KHAN TAHSIL, SAYING:

"I am so happy today. We all came out from our homes with joy and happiness to celebrate the victory. God is great."

Ghani garnered 56 percent of last month's election run-off, according to preliminary results released Monday.

Ghani's opponent, Abdullah Abdullah, pulled 43 percent of the vote.

Abdullah's camp rejected the results as a "coup" against the people.

The Independent Election Commission, however, is calling for patience.

The chairman maintains the results could still change.

(SOUNDBITE) (Dari) CHAIRMAN OF THE INDEPENDENT ELECTION COMMISSION, AHMAD YOUSUF NURISTANI, SAYING:

"I call on both honourable candidates and their supporters to have restraint and calm. And I urge them to be patient until the final result is announced."

The final off

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