Western backers support postponement of parliamentary election

American denies claim and highlights the West's failure to confront fraud in Afghan elections

Rejoicing is in short supply in the Afghan capital as the President's second term begins

Veteran Afghan leader Hamid Karzai was sworn in as president today, pledging to fight graft and take control of his country's security before his five-year term ends, after a fraud-marred election left his image in ruins.

The election in Afghanistan has turned into a disaster for all who promoted it. Hamid Karzai has been declared re-elected as President of the country for the next five years though his allies inside and outside Afghanistan know that he owes his success to open fraud. Instead of increasing his government's legitimacy, the poll has further de-legitimised it.

Tepid compliments greet announcement of win by controversial election commission close to the President

Afghanistan's election commission proclaimed President Hamid Karzai the victor of the country's tumultuous ballot today, cancelling a planned runoff and ending a political crisis that began with a fraud-marred first round two and a half months ago.

Dilemma for Washington as second round becomes a one-horse race for Karzai

No one should doubt what the new vote will cost - not just in treasure but in blood

Doubts over whether fresh ballot can be set up before the winter closes in

Afghanistan's election commission today ordered a November 7 runoff in the disputed presidential poll after a fraud investigation dropped incumbent Hamid Karzai's votes below 50 per cent of the total. Karzai accepted the finding and agreed to a second round vote.

Pressure mounts with watchdog's claim one third of Afghan ballots were faked

Even opponents of the President have closed ranks behind him after the UN ordered a recount into the disputed election results

President Hamid Karzai nudged closer to the 50 percent threshold needed to avoid a run-off in Afghanistan's election, according to the latest results released today.

Surging demand for weapons raises fears of violence as allegations of vote-rigging by Karzai grow

As the premier hints more troops may be sent to support a new surge, a Royal Marine is killed