Afghanistan's election commission has cancelled Saturday's presidential runoff and proclaimed President Hamid Karzai victor of the war-ravaged nation's tumultuous ballot. Independent Election Commission chairman Azizullah Lodin announced Karzai as the victor during a news conference in Kabul today. Karzai's challenger, former Foreign Minister Abdullah Abdullah, dropped out of the race yesterday because he said the vote would not be free or fair following fraud-marred first round.<br/> Announcing this to a gathering of his supporters in Kabul yesterday, Dr. Abdullah made it clear that he had not told anyone to boycott the November 7 elections. His decision came as many analysts believed that incumbent President Mr. Hamid Karzai was favorite to win the run-off after getting the most votes in the first round elections held on 20th of August this year.<br/>Meanwhile, US Secretary of State Hillary Clinton has said a boycott of the run-off election by Dr. Abdullah Abdullah won't de-legitimise the poll. Mrs Clinton said such situations are not unprecedented and occur in the United States and other countries. The Afghan constitution is silent for such a scenario where one candidate pulls out of runoff and election commission has said it will decide the future course of action.<br/><br/> <br/><br/>Secretary of State Hillary Clinton says, the United States will support the next Afghan President and recognize opposition challenger Abdullah Abdullah's decision to withdraw from a runoff. She said in a statement that it is now a matter for the Afghan authorities to decide on a way ahead that brings this electoral process to a conclusion in line with the Afghan constitution. Hillary Clinton said Abdullah ran a dignified and constructive campaign that drew the support of Afghan people across the nation.