London, Oct 10, SPA -- Afghanistan's first direct presidentialelection was a victory for the whole nation, interim PresidentHamid Karzai said Sunday. "Regardless of who wins ... this day is important for us,the day that the Afghan people emerged after three decadesof war and interference and misery and poverty anddestruction," Karzai told British Broadcasting Corp. TV. "And in just three years they did all that and then cameso orderly to elect their president and to choose theirfuture, (it) was a massive day of success for us," headded. "If I win I'll be very happy, but if anyone elsewins, all the same it's a victory for the Afghan people." Saturday's ballot turned sour when all 15 challengers toKarzai withdrew in the middle of voting, accusing thegovernment and the United Nations of fraud and incompetenceover faulty ink used to mark voters' thumbs. On Sunday, at least one of those candidates appeared tobackpedal a bit, saying he wanted a commission to rule onwhether the election was fair, and indicating he wouldaccept its decision. The joint U.N.-Afghan panel overseeing the election saidit would rule later on the vote's legitimacy. Karzai said the boycott by his challengers was "not aserious issue." "Some of the candidates have today rejected thatboycott," he told the BBC. "That issue of the boycott issomething that they have recognized was wrong."--SPA1234 Local Time 0934 GMT www.spa.gov.sa/209850