Presidential Candidates

3. Homayun Shah ASEFI Born: 1940 (Hegira 1319) in Kabul Political Affiliation: ran as independent in 2004 presidential election, but closely identified with the National Unity Movement (Tahrik-e Wahdat-e Melli) First Vice-Presidential Running Mate in 2004: Mohammad Hashem Esmatullah Second Vice-Presidential Running Mate in 2004: Tajwar Kakar

Asefi finished 10th among the 18 names on the 2004 presidential ballot with 0.3 percent of the vote.     He is a cousin of the late wife of former Afghan monarch Zaher Shah, Homaira, and a royalist.     Asefi stated his presidential ambition as delivering stability to Afghanistan and strongly defending women's rights in the country (Afghanistan Television).     He also cast doubt on the credibility of the Joint Electoral Management Body (JEMB) set up in 2004 to monitor the election process, noting that Hamid Karzai was instrumental in the appointment of its members ("Kabul Weekly"). He also was highly critical of Karzai's maintaining the reins of transitional government during the latter's presidential campaign. 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.