A number of major Afghan political figures and groups announced their endorsements of presidential candidate Ashraf Ghani Ahmadzai on Wednesday. Former campaign members of Abdul Qayoum Karzai, the Harakat Inqelab Islami Party and the Musharekat Millie Party were among those who declared support for Dr. Ghani.
"We, members of Continuity and Reform, announce our support for the team led by Dr. Ashraf Ghani Ahmadzai," Qayoum Karzai's Deputy Campaign Manager Mufti Ahmad said. Mr. Qayoum Karzai himself has just returned to Kabul on Wednesday and has not endorsed any of the two candidates yet.
Ghani publicly welcomed the endorsement of former colleagues of Mr Qayoum Karzai.
"God willing, we will pass this national exam and will be successful," Ghani said.
The Musharekat Millie Party was also in attendance, and pledged support for Ghani.
"Time is limited, I ask all of you men and women, please get ready and vote for Ashraf Ghani; if this team wins, Afghanistan will be prosperous," Musharekat Millie leader Najeebullah Kabul said.
Ahmad Zia Masood, one of the recent additions to Ghani's campaign team, also took the opportunity to accuse their rivals, presidential candidate Abdullah Abdullah team, of corruption.
"All who were involved in corruption, and looted private banks are gathered in one team - Reform and Integration," Masood said.
Speaking to the crowd gathered at the rent on Wednesday, Ghani promised to make Shamali the center of industry and agriculture, construct residential areas for the people of Shamali and develop the agricultural industry.
"God willing, we will transform Shamali to the center of culture, agriculture and industry in Afghanistan," Ghani said.
The presidential runoff is scheduled for June 14. With about a week left in the campaign season, both candidates have stepped up their public and private coalition building efforts in hopes of securing enough support to claim victory
Source/Fuente: http://www.tolonews.com/elections2014/stream-endorsements-ghani
