Presidential candidate Abdullah Abdullah on Tuesday met with supporters in central Ghazni province, inducing them with promises of electricity and highways.

Abullah’s trip to Ghazni came with just over a week left in the campaign window for this year’s presidential runoff. He will face former World Bank economist Ashraf Ghani Ahmadzai in the two-candidate showdown.

Abdullah told those gathered to hear him speak on Tuesday that the construction of the Band-e-Sultan hydroelectric dam was one of his top priorities for Ghazni.
“We have learned of your legitimate needs via a letter, and we will be at your service in the implementation of our demands, if it is a security problem, an electricity one or any other problem,” Abdullah said.

Many at the gathering spoke about unemployment issues and hopes to see poverty alleviate programs be a part of Abdullah’s presidency if elected.

Abdullah, who led the first round with 45 percent of the vote, spoke at length about Ghazni’s rich cultural history and his plans to resurrect and preserve its heritage.

“The abilities and intelligence that exist among people of this land, Inshallah you can change this devastated area to a greater Islamic cultural hub, you have the spiritual treasures for that, and with a small effort, we can change Ghanzi into the crown jewel of Afghanistan,” Abdullah said.
 
The presidential hopeful promised Ghazni’s athletes that he would build new sport facilities if elected.