Afghan Commission Delays Vote Results  04/23 06:24

   KABUL, Afghanistan (AP) -- Afghanistan's election commission has delayed a 
planned release of full results from the April 5 presidential election to allow 
for recounts and audits.

   Wednesday's announcement increases confusion surrounding the balloting to 
replace President Hamid Karzai, who is ineligible for a third term.

   The results were expected on Thursday but Independent Election Commission 
director Ziaulhaq Amarkhil says they would be postponed until at least Saturday 
to ensure they are not tainted by fraud. The preliminary results then must be 
investigated by a separate commission before being finalized by May 14.

   So far, partial results of about half the 7 million votes cast show former 
foreign minister Abdullah Abdullah in the lead and ex-finance minister Asraf 
Ghani Ahmadzai in second.

   It's unclear if either would secure a majority to avoid a runoff.


(KA)