*Ø* US 'meddling' threatens Afghan poll

The American ambassador is acting as President Karzai's campaign manager, rivals claim
Excerpt from The Times:

"Mr Karzai has long been seen as America’s man and his backers have done little to challenge that perception. In the past week, the US Ambassador has appeared three times at Mr Karzai’s side at the opening of US-funded reconstruction projects, some of which have not even been completed ...

"Rival candidates have also complained to Afghanistan’s election commission over the legality of the logistical support that the Americans provide, from Chinook helicopters to fly Mr Karzai around the country to his well-armed bodyguards.

"Most serious of all, rival candidates are claiming that the Americans are trying to stage-manage an easy Karzai victory by pressuring them to drop out or seek deals. They contend that such interference could damage the credibility of what is being hailed as the first truly democratic election in Afghanistan’s long, troubled history."
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