Afghan election contender claims victory in poll

Afghan presidential contender Abdullah Abdullah has claimed victory in last month's poll, despite results giving a lead to his rival, Ashraf Ghani. Addressing supporters in Kabul, Mr Abdullah repeated claims that the election process was marred by fraud. US Secretary of State John Kerry had earlier warned against a power grab, amid reports that Mr Abdullah was planning a "parallel government".

Background:

Afghan poll crisis: Defiant Abdullah claims victory [BBC]

Afhganistan's Ghani wins presidential vote: preliminary results [Reuters]