Runoff vote possible in disputed Afghan Presidential election

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Afghan officials have said the results from the investigation into the disputed Presidential election will be released this weekend. Analysts say that if fraud allegations are proved, President Hamid Karzai's share of the vote will drop below 50 percent, forcing an election run off. mes Kim has the details.

Preliminary results show that Karzai won over 54 percent of the vote in the August 12th election. More than 250 thousand votes would have to be discounted for it to fall below 50 percent.

If enough votes were disqualified, the incumbent President would face Abdullah in a second round -- barring possible legal steps to invalidate the decision or a withdrawal from Abdullah.

A second round of voting carries the risks of new violence by Taliban insurgents. Weeks of instability has heightened ethnic tensions during the campaign.

Allegations of electoral fraud have caused concern for Western countries including the United States. Officials from many countries are preparing to mediate.

On Saturday, French Foreign Minister Bernard Kouchner visited Kabul and held meetings with President Karzai. Kouchner said he hoped both sides can work together to reach a consensus.

Karzai has stated he would prefer not to hold a second round and has spoken out against the investigation, labelling it as a sign of foreign meddling.