Karzai Confirms He Will Run In Afghan Presidential Election

Kabul, 10 January 2004 (RFE/RL) -- Afghan Transitional Administration Chairman Hamid Karzai confirmed today that he will be a candidate in the country's upcoming presidential election.
Speaking to reporters in Kabul, Karzai said he will try to have the poll scheduled for June or July, as planned. Previously, Karzai had said the ballot might have to be delayed due to delays in voter registration.

So far, only 274,000 Afghans -- out of a total of 10 million eligible voters -- have been enrolled on electoral lists. The poll will be Afghanistan's first democratic presidential election.