Afghan academic, ex-Taliban join presidency race‎

KABUL (AFP) — An internationally respected academic and a veteran of the ousted Taliban regime entered Afghanistan's race for the presidency on Thursday, signing up to contest the landmark August election.

Former university chancellor, finance minister and World Bank executive Ashraf Ghani pledged "total and fundamental change" as he registered. "If you want a new beginning, we are at your service," he told reporters.

Ghani vowed to work for "peace and security, national sovereignty, the correction of the financial system and strengthening national unity".

Former Taliban commander Abdul Salam Rocketi also submitted his application on Thursday, election officials said.
AFP: Afghan academic, ex-Taliban join presidency race