U.S. Secretary of State Hillary Rodham Clinton on Sunday urged the Afghanistan government to ensure the legitimacy of the presidential election process, following a key presidential challenger quit the election.
Accusing President Hamid Karzai of failing to meet his demands for a fair and transparent vote, presidential candidate Abdullah Abdullah said
Sunday that he decided to quit the election, which is set on November 7.
According to Afghan constitution, it is possible for the runoff to be held with only one candidate, but that is believed to undermine the government's legitimacy.
"I recognize the decision by Dr Abdullah Abdullah not to participate in the second round of balloting in the Afghan presidential elections,"
Clinton, who has been visiting the Middle East, said in a statement.
"It is now a matter for the Afghan authorities to decide on a way ahead that brings this electoral process to a conclusion in line with the Afghan
constitution," said Clinton, adding that the United States will support the next Afghanistan president.
Praising Abdullah of running "a dignified and constructive campaign" in the election, Clinton said Washington hope Abdullah continue to "stay engaged in the national dialogue and work on behalf of the security and prosperity of the people."