Both sides in Afghanistan presidential run-off claim to be ahead

Northern Alliance leader Abdullah Abdullah, left, and the former Finance Minister Ashraf Ghani (Getty)

Rival camps in the presidential race each claimed to be leading the contest today, a day after the run-off was held and as officials were still tallying the hundreds killed or injured in election-related violence.

Election observers and other officials in Kabul are worried that both candidates are setting the stage to complain about fraud and refuse to accept defeat should the outcome of the vote be close.

The UN urged the candidates, the former Northern Alliance leader Abdullah Abdullah and the former Finance Minister Ashraf Ghani, to honour election procedures. “The Secretary-General encourages the candidates and their supporters to respect the electoral process,” the UN said.

Reuters