But Secretary Gates has a different view, saying the political problems in Afghanistan go beyond allegations of fraud in the election,and include widespread corruption.

VOA: standard.2009.10.20

His government is seen as riddled with corruption and his election is considered deeply flawed.

VOA: standard.2009.11.17

Only hours after Mr.Karzai's victory in the tainted election, President Obama welcomed the Afghan leader's pledge to eradicate corruption, but frankly warned the proof of those efforts will be not in words,but in deeds.

VOA: standard.2009.11.17

Mr Xenophon told the BBC he has repeatedly voiced fears that the country's forthcoming elections, due to be held in June, could be subject to "widespread election fraud and corruption".

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Nicolas Bazire, 54, was charged by magistrates investigating allegations of corruption in the election campaign of Edouard Balladur in 1995.

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He would love to call an election before an inquiry into corruption in Quebec's construction industry, which may leave his party squirming, begins in June.

ECONOMIST: Education in Quebec