In Afghanistan, the main rival to incumbent President has set demands before the second round of elections calling for removal of election commission head and four cabinet ministers. Addressing a press conference in Kabul this afternoon, Dr. Abdullah Abdullah demanded presence of his representatives in key ministries and in provincial offices to ensure fairness of elections. He called for the demands to be met before end of this month adding that he will suspend his links to election commission till then. Dr. Abdullah, who will directly contest incumbent President Mr. Hamid Karzai in second round, stopped short of boycotting the elections but said that the elections, scheduled for the 7th of next month, will be marred by same problems if corrective steps are not taken. Election commission spokesman said they have not received the demands and said they are making all efforts to ensure free polls. Mr. Hamid Karzai had emerged winner in the preliminary results of August 20 elections but allegations of fraud and ensuing western pressure made him to accept a runoff with his closest rival Dr. Abdullah. Mr. Karzai has said holding second round has been agreed upon by the international players and if it is not held, it will be insulting democracy and vote of the people.<br/><br/><br/>