"Karzai has been the leader throughout the election campaign in the eyes of the whole world community, at least, by forecasts of its main players - the U.S., the European Union, Canada, Japan," said the ambassador. In his words, these countries hope for Karzai in continuation of the policy started in Bonn.
Nevertheless, Zamir Kabulov does not rule out that "circumstances might change." In this case, he believes, should Hamid Karzai fail to win in the first round, "he will have to make a conspiracy with other main contenders in the second round." "If they agree, Karzai will have a chance to win. If no, and if the opponents unite in the second round and nominate a single candidate, Hamid Karzai may lose," emphasized Zamir Kabulov. In his opinion, in this case, "sound pragmatism will dominate" the world community, "at least, its Western part."
"Even if this happens [Karzai will lose the elections], this speaks about the fact that political and economic investments [of the world community] were not in vain," stressed Zamir Kabulov. "An atmosphere was created in the country for democratic elections. The person who most part of the population confide in is elected. This is a success," he emphasized.
In Mr. Kabulov's opinion, most candidates who are likely to win the Afghan presidential elections, "are responsible, and understand Afghanistan's role in the system of international relations, realize Afghanistan's economic dependence on external assistance." "I am sure they will be pragmatic too," said the Russian ambassador.
Afghan presidential elections will take place tomorrow, October 9.
