Afghan president urges April poll

President Karzai's term is due to end in May

Afghanistan's President Hamid Karzai has called for elections to be held by 21 April, in keeping with the country's constitution.

The declaration conflicts with a decision by the electoral commission to hold elections by 20 August.

Mr Karzai's presidential term is due to end on 21 May, creating the potential for a constitutional crisis if polls are held much later.

The president has no power to unilaterally choose election dates.