Afghan polls: Karzai inches closer to lead

Afghanistan President Hamid Karzai has moved into a clear lead in the controversial race for the presidency, with 48.6 per cent of the vote, according to partial results.

Afghan officials announced results from 75 per cent of the polling stations used in only Afghanistan's second direct presidential election, held on August 20 and overshadowed by claims of massive fraud and low turnout.

Out of 4.3 million valid votes, Karzai won 2.08 million and former foreign minister Abdullah Abdullah 1.36 million or 31.7 per cent, Independent Election Commission (IEC) official Daud Ali Najafi told a news conference.