Afghan opposition leader to run for president

KABUL, Afghanistan (AP) A prominent Afghan opposition leader says he will run for president in next year's presidential election.

The vote will be critical in determining Afghanistan's future following the withdrawal of all foreign combat troops at the end of 2014.

Opposition leader Abdullah Abdullah says he registered his candidacy on Tuesday for the April 5 election. Abdullah lost to incumbent President Hamid Karzai in 2009.

Abdullah is the most prominent politician to register ahead of an Oct. 6 deadline.

Karzai cannot seek a third five-year term under Afghan law.

In 2009, Abdullah dropped out ahead of a runoff vote following allegations of massive fraud in the first round.

Afghanistan's international financial and military backers have said a smooth transition during the presidential election is necessary to ensure the country's stability.