Based on democratic principles, presidential candidates should resign their jobs before jumping into the electoral fray, President Hamid Karzai said on Tuesday.
Chairing a Cabinet meeting, he remarked anyone joining the presidential race in April 2014 had to quit their offices in the interest of democracy and effective public service.
Karzai identified national unity and transparent elections as his administration’s top priorities. Tolerance of a positive competition in the election, good governance and preserving the gains made over the past decade were also discussed.
Speaking on the occasion, 1st Vice President Mohammad Qasim Fahim said: “Under President Karzai’s leadership, we have to ensure a transparent election at all costs.” Afghanistan had made good progress over the past 10 years, he believed.
Dr. Farooq Wardak, minister of education, rejected rumours of his candidacy and said he was an active member of the cabinet. He would consult the president before deciding to contest the vote.
Muhammad Hassan Khetab
http://www.pajhwok.com/en/2013/02/12/candidates-will-have-quit-govt-post...
