Afghan presidential runner promises to boost democracy

A presidential hopeful and former foreign minister Zalmai Rasoul on Monday promised to support freedom of press and boost up democracy in the post-Taliban Afghanistan if wins the coming elections. "I am announcing today that I firmly believe in democracy and would further boost it if I win the coming presidential elections with your support," Rassoul said in his speech attended by hundreds of his supporters here. Rassoul who had served with President Hamid Karzai's administration over the past 12 years in different capacity including foreign minister and advisor to president on national security, in his maiden campaign to secure the presidential post also vowed to support freedom of press, bolster security and fight corruption if wins the elections. Eleven personalities, including two former ministers and one defense minister, are contesting the race to succeed president Karzai. A two-month election campaign for Afghan presidential candidates formally began on Feb. 2 and will be closed on April 2 or 48 hours before the voting start for the historic polls scheduled for April 5 this year.