Presidential Candidates

11. Abdul Hasib ARYAN -- withdrew Born: 1961 (Hegira 1340) in Kabul Political Affiliation: independent First Vice-Presidential Running Mate in 2004: Del Aqa Shekayb Second Vice-Presidential Running Mate in 2004: Sayyed Mohammad Zaman Ahmadyar

Aryan abandoned his presidential bid about two months before the October 2004 elections, the same day that Gailani announced a similar move.     Aryan is a staunch independent who launched his presidential campaign on a platform encouraging national unity, stressing that neither tribal, ethnic, nor racial prejudice should stand in the way of peace and stability (Voice of the Islamic Republic of Iran in Dari). He suggested that he would work hard to disarm warlords and assert the power of a central military and security force in Afghanistan. He rejected challenges to the validity of the constitution that was approved in January 2004, saying it includes much of Shari'a law and should therefore be respected and defended.     Presidential candidate Aryan vowed to exclude from the government of "those who killed innocent people" or committed atrocities or other abuses against Afghans in the past (Afghanistan Television). He also campaigned for equal rights for women.     Aryan also dismissed other presidential candidates' calls for Hamid Karzai to step down during the campaign, saying such a move would create a dangerous "power vacuum" (Afghanistan Television). He also condemned calls for an electoral boycott by some presidential candidates and encouraged that election timelines be adhered to. 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.