In Afghanistan, President Hamid Karzai is coming under intense criticism from opponents for trying to move the Afghan presidential election to next month, four months earlier than an election date set by the country’s Independent Election Commission. Karzai’s move is seen as an attempt to guarantee his re-election. One presidential candidate, former Finance Minister Ashraf Ghani, said, “A very dangerous first step has been taken that, if it’s not checked, could lead us to the very unfortunate situation of Kenya or Zimbabwe. This is a very perilous position that we have to avoid.” UN officials said it would be impossible to have even paper ballots in time for an election for next month.