Afghan president suggests poll delay to avoid snow, organisers say

Afghan President Hamid Karzai speaks during a news conference in Kabul December 8, 2012. REUTERS/Mohammad Ismail

KABUL (Reuters) - Afghan President Hamid Karzai has suggested delaying April elections to avoid heavy snow, organisers said, an idea that will rattle the United States and critics who fear he may be trying to drag out his second and final term.

Karzai is barred by the constitution from running for a third term and has so far refrained from backing any of the candidates, although he is widely expected to support his elder brother Qayum, seen as one of the front runners.