In Afghanistan, the head of the UN mission has admitted the August national elections were marred by “widespread fraud.” Kai Eide made the comments at a news conference in Kabul.

UN Special Envoy Kai Eide: “That’s been a difficult process. It’s been marred by so many problems, not least, as you know, widespread fraud. So it’s not been easy, but that has been my only focus, and it is important to bring this country through this process and to continue the process of of installing democracy in Afghanistan.”

Eide went on to defend his role in the election’s aftermath, rejecting accusations from a former deputy that he had helped cover up the fraud.

UN Special Envoy Kai Eide: “The allegations made against me by my former deputy have not only been personal attacks against me and my integrity, but they have been attacks that in fact have affected the entire election process.”