Presidential Candidates

4. Mohammad Mahfuz NEDAYI Born: 1939 (Hegira 1318) in the northeastern Konar Province Political Affiliation: independent First Vice-Presidential Running Mate in 2004: Sayyed Mohammad Aref Ebrahimkhayl Second Vice-Presidential Running Mate in 2004: Mohammad Hakim Karimi

Nedayi won a meager 16,000 votes in the 2004 presidential election, placing him 15th among the 18 names on the ballot. Nedayi was a member of the Emergency Loya Jirga that confirmed Hamid Karzai's Transitional Administration in mid-2002.     Generally regarded as a leftist academic, Nedayi focused considerable campaign attention last year on boosting Afghanistan's economy, improving its infrastructure, and curbing corruption (Radio Kelid, Afghanistan Television). He has suggested that he favors public-works-style programs to construct dams and otherwise develop agricultural potential and provide power generation. He has also campaigned for equal rights and increased opportunities for women.     Nedayi has decried the "importing of ideologies and their imposition on the oppressed Afghan people" since the appearance of democratically oriented parties and the interim government. 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.