Presidential Candidates

10. Ahmad Shah AHMADZAI Born: 1944 (Hegira 1323) in Kabul Political Affiliation: : ran for presidency as an independent, but is a member of the conservative Islamic Call Organization of Afghanistan (Hezb-e Tanzim-e Da'wat-e Islami-ye Afghanistan) led by former mujahedin leader Abdul Rabb al-Rashul Sayyaf. Sayyaf's party was previously known as Harakat-e Enqelab-e Islami but was registered under the new name. First Vice-Presidential Running Mate in 2004: Obaydullah Obayd Second Vice-Presidential Running Mate in 2004: Abdul Manan Oruzgani

Ahmadzai is a deputy leader of the 12-party coalition chaired by Mohammad Yunos Qanuni, known as the National Reconciliation Front. He also is deputy head of the Islamist party registered as Afghanistan's Islamic Mission Organization (see No. 57).     Ahmadzai served as deputy prime minister in the first mujahedin government after the fall of the communist regime in 1992, having previously led the Pakistani-based government-in-exile. He is an ethnic Pashtun, a trained engineer, and a religious conservative.     Ahmadzai made the establishment of an Islamic system of government in Afghanistan a central theme in his 2004 campaign. He has suggested that "no other system is possible" for the country, since the overwhelming majority of Afghans are Muslims and have sacrificed and resisted outside intervention to safeguard their Islamic ways (Afghanistan Television). Ahmadzai has also criticized Islamic governments in other parts of the world for their perceived failure to put Islamic principles into practice.     Ahmadzai also made the goal of wiping out corruption a plank in his presidential platform, claiming it presents a security risk in particular because bribes to soldiers and public officials are used to protect criminal elements ("Kabul Cheragh"). Ahmadzai suggested he was opposed to a continued U.S. presence in the country (Reuters) and also decried "meddling" by Afghanistan's neighbors in its affairs ("Kabul Cheragh").     His presidential bid included vows to deliver security, a strong central government, and encourage literacy and the further development of religious schools in Afghanistan (Afghanistan Television).     The jihadi Ittihad-e Islami-ye Afghanistan, the precursor to his current party, has been accused by international groups of human rights violations during the war. SOURCES: JEMB; RFE/RL; Radio Free Afghanistan; Ludwig W. Adamec, "Historical Dictionary of Afghanistan"; Martin Ewans, "Afghanistan: A Short History of Its People and Politics"; and as noted.