Afghan people 'forgotten' in election row

The bitter row over the legitimacy of presidential elections in Afghanistan has seen the country's civilians 'ignored', aid agencies warned today.

Incumbent Hamid Karzai has claimed victory in an election marred by reports of widespread vote-rigging and corruption.

Official results are expected in the coming week, but President Karzai's main challenger Abdullah Abdullah still insists the poll was fixed.

Today a group of influential NGOs outlined a seven-point plan to put the Afghan people at the heart of the country's recovery.

Oxfam International, the Afghan Civil Society Forum and the Sanayee Development Organisation are among those championing the importance of improved governance, protecting civilians and better rights for women.

These issues should be at the forefront of the Afghan government's agenda whatever the outcome of the elections, the groups said.

Concern over the disputed election has seen the 'pressing needs of Afghans... ignored', the aid agencies said in a joint statement.

'Now more than ever, the new government will need to make the Afghan people a priority.'

'Our recommendations are ambitious, given the increasing violence in Afghanistan. But they are not impossible,' said Grace Ommer, head of Oxfam in Afghanistan.

'Over the last eight years Afghanistan has made significant progress, enrolling over six million children in primary school and expanding access to healthcare

'Positive change can happen in Afghanistan, but there must be political will in Kabul and long term support from the international community.'

Among the proposals are the building of 6,000 new schools, the creation of 5,000 midwives and the general professionalisation of the country's police force.