KABUL - Afghan President Hamid Karzai on Tuesday called for early announcement of the result of the presidential runoff held on June 14.

"I am hopeful that the election results to come out as soon as better and both presidential candidates accept the results," President Karzai said in his short speech at a ceremony held in Defense Ministry compound to mark the 95th Independence Day.

The first round of Afghan presidential election was held on April 5, and the controversial runoff was held on June 14.

However, the runoff result has yet to be announced as both candidates has demanded auditing more than 8 million votes, which may take several more days if not weeks.

President Karzai at the ceremony laid wreath at the Independence Minatare to pay tribute to those who had sacrificed their lives for the country's freedom.

Presidential candidates Abdullah Abdullah and his opponent Ashraf Ghani Ahmadzai also attended the ceremony.

Afghan people under the leadership of then king Amanullah Khan regained independence from the Great Britain on August 19, 1919, and since then the day has been observed as Independence Day.

Afghanistan's 95th Independence Day is marked amid tight security as all roads and streets leading to Presidential Palace, Defense Ministry and other important areas have been blocked.   (Xinhua)