Abdullah leads Ahmadzai in early results (Video

KABUL (Pajhwok): The Independent Election Commission (IEC) on Sunday released partial returns from last week’s presidential vote, showing Abdullah Abdullah in a tight race with his closest rival Ashraf Ghani Ahmadzai.

Based on the 10 percent votes counted (506,843 votes) from 26 provinces of the country’s 34 provinces showed Abdullah led with 41.9 percent or 212,312 votes, followed by Ahmadzai with 37.6 percent or 190,561 votes.

Dr. Zalmai Rassoul trailed far behind with 9.8 percent or 49,821 votes, Abdul Rab Rassoul Sayyaf secured 5.1 percent or 25,679 votes, Qutbuddin Hilal 2.7 percent or 13,536 votes and Muhammad Shafiq Gul Agha Sherzai 2.2 percent or 11,132 votes.