Another Presidential candidate withdrew, bringing down the total numbers of candidates to 9 which is remarkably minor in comparison to two previous presidential elections held after the US-led military involvement. General Abdul Rahim Wardak, the former Defense Minister, formally stepped away from presidential campaign in the favor of no one on Sunday 16th March. He did not mention any reason for his decision but his voice tone was reflecting deep frustration. He avoided explaining why after spending huge amount of money during last month now he has decided to step down that also in favor of no one which can be weird. If a candidate steps down in the favor of the other, the reason might be their shared programs and common goals or aimed to stronger team to win the election and thereafter divide the power. Such alliance on one hand increases the chances of team for victory on the other hand to some extent maintain the interest of two or many groups which is quite common in the politics across the globe.

But Mr. Rahim Wardak avoided saying anything about his decision, however, two factors might have had effective role in his decision. During previous two elections, huge amount of money used to pump from different organizations and governments aimed to strengthen particular teams. The generosity of regional and international countries put a lot of money into the hands of all candidates including those who had least chance. But tumultuous political situation, lack of transparency and vote banks, every wings used to assume themselves as the winner of Presidential election. In other words, the political sphere was somehow like uncultivated soil on which farmer just leave water without managing. The possibility is equal in a smooth soil that water finally makes way from any part of it.

After passing several elections, the chances of candidates can be guessed from the political party or ethnic group that they come from. The vote banks become far clearer and people also have become much more aware about what is going behind the political curtain. Despite nine candidates compete but people only have put on eyes only to three or four of them. The rest have no chances and just waste their time and money. However, General Farooq Wardak has profound experience which can be useful for the nation but he had no visible chance of victory. From the very establishment of the new system, he had close cooperation with government. But he was not favorite candidate of the palace which left him between oppositions and government.  

Additionally as mentioned foreign donations for candidates are also not comparable to previous times. This time, they have not received enough money to run their elections across the country. Candidates have not opened campaign office in numbers of provinces. The decision is not due to security problem rather due to budget deficiency. Some offices which were opened at district or provincial level were closed down due to lack of budget. Candidates have become frugal and unlike previous times do not spend their money. According to reports, particular teams have already came short of budget and cut down their employees. General Farooq Warak is not exception from this list. Having no clear prospective for victory and huge un-refundable expense might have made him to call off.

Secondly, as mentioned he has been part of the ruling team in government. He has quite friendly relation with palace and government officials. Indeed, he expected the support of palace not the oppositions. As there are talks about tough bargaining at the back stage, blaming palace for secret struggle to engineer the upcoming election, Mr. Farooq may be also part of the plan. Previously, Mr. Abdul Qayom Karzai, the elder brother of President Karzai stepped down in the favor of Zalmai Rasoul which sparked huge criticism from the opposition, pointing finger toward Mr. President. Oppositions are in view that President Karzai was behind the decision of his brother. However, he strongly rejected the notion saying that he only encouraged his brother to call off running the elections banning the interference of foreign countries in the election but favoring Mr. Zalmai was his personal decision.

So, if we deem the allegation of oppositions true, Mr. Farooq Wardak stepped down by plan in the favor of Zalmai Rasoul. He is ethnically Pashtun and his deep influence among the community and also he has supporters in other ethnic groups too. Stepping down, he leaves his supporters within the Pashtun community no choice other than other candidates from this community. Due to his alliance with palace, it is highly possible that Zalmai Rasoul or Ashraff Ghani will certainly appear as their second choice. In other words, his decision prevents the votest to disperse within the largest community. It is not clear within less than a month that has remained from the election, how many other candidates may decide to call off but if the back door bargaining result; it is highly possible that some other candidates also step down in the favor of certain candidates. In such case, the chance of that particular candidate will increase tremendously.