DHAKA: Ashraf Ghani, one of two candidates disputing the Afghan presidential election, has called for an ‘extensive audit’ of votes.

He made the appeal before meeting US Secretary of State John Kerry, who arrived in Kabul to try to resolve a growing political crisis.

Kerry is also meeting Ghani’s rival Abdullah Abdullah, reports the BBC.

Ghani came out ahead in preliminary results from the second round, but both candidates allege fraud.

The audit would help ensure the ‘integrity and the legitimacy that the people of Afghanistan and the world will believe in,’ Ghani said.

The announcement was welcomed by Kerry, who arrived in Afghanistan on Friday in a hastily arranged visit.

‘No one is declaring victory at this time. The results have yet to be finalized and so those questions have to be resolved and I’m very appreciative that Ghani respects that’ he said.

Current President Hamid Karzai, who took power after the US-led overthrow of the Taliban, is stepping down after more than 10 years.

BDST: 1806 HRS, JULY 11, 2014