Presidential Candidates

17. Sayyed Abdul Hadi DABIR Born: 1962 (Hegira 1341) in the northeastern Takhar Province Political Affiliation: independent candidate First Vice-Presidential Running Mate in 2004: Abdul Rashid Second Vice-Presidential Running Mate in 2004: Dad Mohammad Khan

An independent presidential aspirant who received just 24,000 votes (0.3 percent) in October 2004 voting, Dabir was arrested in August 2005 and currently faces charges for allegedly having shot and injured three policemen in Kabul earlier the same month.     He chairs the registered Hizb-e Azadi Khwahan Maihan party, according to JEMB.     Dabir made opposition to the presence of U.S.-led forces in the country part of his 2004 election campaign, but he also suggested that he supported the presence of international peacekeepers in Afghanistan (Reuters).     Dabir is a former mujahedin who leveled harsh criticism at Hamid Karzai's Transitional Administration. His presidential campaign stressed the courage and bravery that the country showed in resisting British and Soviet invasion but also suggested that such tribulations have combined with ethnic and linguistic differences to produce national and even regional isolation (Afghanistan Television). His second running mate, Dad Mohammad Khan, suggested Dabir's administration would ensure respect for Islamic values, apply the Afghan Constitution throughout the country, and foster national unity and stability. 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.