KABUL, August 29 (RIA Novosti) - With around 35% of ballots counted in last week's presidential elections Afghanistan's incumbent president, Hamid Karzai, has extended his lead to 15% over his nearest rival, the country's Central Election Commission said on Saturday.
Daud Najafi, chief electoral officer, told journalists in Kabul that Karzai had 46.2% of the votes, with former foreign minster Abdullah Abdullah trailing on 31.3%.
A candidate needs 50% of the vote to claim victory without a runoff.
Election day was plagued by militant attacks, with some 400 registered across the country.
Final figures are due in early September.
