Afghans Say Trouble Inevitable But Won't Stop Vote

Afghan President Hamid Karzai vowed on Thursday that a historic presidential election would be successfully held this weekend and reflect the people's wishes despite inevitable sabotage attempts by Taliban fighters. U.S.-backed Karzai is the favorite to win Saturday's poll, which should legitimize his rule and mark a turning point for a country shattered by more than a quarter-century of war. He said in a BBC interview he was aware guns and intimidation would play a role in the election. "How long can we wait for the guns to go before we have elections?" Karzai said. "No election in the world is free of tension. Afghanistan is in a more serious situation because we are emerging out of war. "But because of the massive enthusiasm and will of the Afghan people to go toward this election and to build their country in a democratic way, I very much hope this election will provide a result that they will like." [more ]