The independent Election Commission of Afghanistan (IEC) on Thursday released the final vote results for the presidential election.

Abdullah Abdullah took 45% of the vote in the first round and his main opponent Ashraf Ghani polled 31.6 %. Six other candidates were eliminated.

 Zalmai Rassoul 11.2%. Abdul Rab Rassoul Sayyaf has secured 7.0% of the votes, Qotbuddin Helal 2.8%, Gul Agha Sherzai 1.6%, Sultanzoy 0.5% and Arsala 0.2%.

Last week, key rival Zalmai Rassoul threw his support behind Abdullah Abdullah, boosting his campaign.

This comes as international forces prepare to leave at the end of 2014.

Dr Abdullah and Mr Ghani, will now face each other in a second round on 14 June.

LINK: https://www.ansarpress.com/english/1998

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