Qayyum Karzai to run for presidency (Video)

KANDAHAR CITY (PAN): An influential member of the Karzai family said they had nominated a brother of the incumbent president to run for the country’s top office in 2014. In an exclusive interview with Pajhwok Afghan News, Mehmood Karzai said his brother Qayyum Karzai, if elected, would prove the best option to replace the sitting president. Asked whether the president would support Qayum, he replied that their nominee needed the entire country’s backing, not only from his tribe. “He plans a swing through the provinces to win the confidence of all Afghans,” Mehmood said, recalling Karzai had been voted into power, not only by Pashtuns in the south and southeast, but also by those in northern Afghanistan. “People vote for the families and individuals whose hands are clean and had no role in war crimes,” he remarked. “People have faith in Qayyum Jan and I have good relations with people. They are looking to us and want one of us to stand for the election.” Mehmood did not name any political group or individual who would supported Qayyum’s candidacy, but said political parties in the country remained weak. PAJHWOK/Siddiqullah