Karzai resolves parliamentary crisis in Afghanistan

Afghan President Hamid Karzai decreed on Wednesday that the country's Independent Election Commission will have the authority to resolve a long-running uncertainty over last year's parliamentary elections. The decree states that Afghan courts have no authority to challenge or alter election results. The ballot was marred by numerous irregularities and allegations of fraud with 1.3 million ballots discarded and 19 candidates disqualified for cheating. A special election tribunal has called for the removal of 62 lawmakers, saying they won through fraud. Karzai said all evidence will be examined by the Independent Election Commission that will have the final say.