The U.S. special envoy to Afghanistan says the United States is "hopeful" next month's run-off election in Afghanistan will not have the same level of voting irregularities experienced during the August vote.
Richard Holbrooke predicted Friday the November 7 run-off will include less voter fraud because just two candidates will be on the ballot and more international teams will be in place to ensure the election is a success.
Holbrooke also dismissed suggestions that relations between himself and President Hamid Karzai are strained. Holbrooke said that the U.S. looks forward to working with Mr. Karzai if he is re-elected next month.
Massive fraud in the August election led officials to call for a run-off vote between Mr. Karzai and former Foreign Minister Abdullah Abdullah.U.S. President Barack Obama is closely monitoring the political situation in Afghanistan as he considers a request to send more U.S. troops there.
The NATO and U.S. commander in Afghanistan, General Stanley McChrystal, has recommended that President Obama broaden a counter-insurgency plan and provide more troops to help carry it out.NATO defense ministers on Friday expressed support for McChrystal's recommendations.