Kabul, 4 Nov. (AKI) - The United States and its allies are pressing re-elected Afghan president Hamid Karzai to agree to an anti-corruption commission and a proposal to give more authority to local leaders, officials said on Tuesday. Karzai is expected to form a new government within the next three weeks.

Meanwhile, United Nations secretary-general Ban Ki-moon has urged Karzai to take every necessary step to ensure that the people of the South Asian nation can “enjoy genuine freedom, democracy, stability and prosperity.”

Karzai, who won re-election as Afghan president after his rival withdrew from a run-off vote, has vowed that his government will represent everyone.

"Today I would like to say that no one will see themselves distant in this process and all of us will be a part of the Afghanistan government," he said in a victory speech.

Afghanistan's Independent Election Commission cancelled a runoff vote for the presidency on Monday after Abdullah Abdullah, former foreign minister and Karzai's only rival in the presidential run-off that was planned for 7 November, withdrew from the race.

At the weekend, Ban made an unannounced visit to Kabul, where five UN staff members were killed and nine others injured in an attack for which the Taliban claimed responsibility.

In a meeting with Karzai in the Afghan capital, Ban urged the leader to ensure good governance, the eradication of "corruptive practices" prevalent in Afghanistan and to form a unity government with experienced ministers and government officials.

He also called on the president to reach out to all ethnic groups, and political and religious leaders.

Ban reiterated the UN's commitment to work for peace and support the people of Afghanistan.

“We will not be deterred from this noble mission. We stand by the people of Afghanistan today, and we will do so tomorrow,” he said.