ROME: The G8 appealed Friday for all sides in Afghanistan to wait for the official announcement of election results as the top contenders to become president both claimed they were in the lead.

"We call on all parties to exert patience and restraint and to wait for the official announcement of the election results," the G8's foreign ministers said in a statement released in Rome. Italy currently holds the rotating presidency.

"We trust that all Afghans will continue to work together in the interest of their country," the statement added.

Even though final results are not due until next month, President Hamid Karzai declared a decisive win Friday and his main rival, former foreign minister Abdullah Abdullah, insisted he was ahead.

Italy currently holds the rotating presidency of the G8 which also comprises Britain, Canada, France, Germany, Japan, Russia and the United States.