The streets of Herat erupted with hundreds cheering and waving banners, to celebrate Afghan President Hamid Karzai's second term.

Hamid Karzai accepted the decision of the Independent Electoral Commission to grant him a second term, in a nationally televised victory speech.

[Hamid Karzai, Afghanistan President]:
"I thank the IEC. And as I have accepted their decision as a legal institution when they announced a second round, now I accept their decision in announcing this result."

Election officials on Monday cancelled a presidential run-off vote, after Karzai's only rival, former foreign minister Abdullah Abdullah, withdrew, saying he had serious concerns about the election.

Following criticism from Western supporters in the wake of his re-election, Karzai has vowed to tackle corruption.

[Hamid Karzai, Afghanistan President]:
"The Afghan administration has a bad reputation of corruption. So now we are determined to use all of our forces by any means to remove this stain from our soil."

But Afghans are divided over the electoral commission's decision to grant Karzai a second term. While some welcome the decision, others do not.

[Haji Daulat, Kabul Resident]:
"No we are not happy with the Independent Election Commission's decision. Whatever he has done during the last seven or eight years, it will be the same again. So many people died during his term and prices went up for everything."

Meantime the head of the Afghanistan Policy and Research Centre, Harron Mir, says Karzai will have to work hard to gain the respect of the electorate.

[Harron Mir, Afghanistan Policy & Research Center]:
"If President Karzai forms a government that could change the situation and improve the situation within six months or a year then I think this issue of legitimacy will not be a big issue for President Karzai because then people will accept him."

Karzai has ruled since U.S.-backed Afghan forces toppled the Taliban in 2001.