Bush Calls Karzai to Express Support for Sunday's Vote

President Bush has telephoned his Afghan counterpart Hamid Karzai to express his support for Sunday's legislative elections.

A White House spokesman says Mr. Karzai told President Bush that his nation was ready to vote, and that the people of Afghanistan were enthusiastic about the polls.

The Afghan leader also invited Mr. Bush to visit and address the new parliament once it convenes.

Meanwhile, the election campaign in Afghanistan has officially ended, with candidates making their final pitches. With campaigning forbidden 48 hours before the polls open, candidates scrambled to woo voters, while organizers raced to spread their message on how to cast the ballots.

More than 12 million Afghans are registered to vote Sunday to elect a national parliament and local councils in all 34 provinces.

Some information in the story provided by AFP and AP.