United Nations, Sep 19 (IANS): Head of the UN Assistance Mission in Afghanistan (UNAMA), Jan Kubis said there is "no better way forward" other than a unity government in the crisis-torn country.

"There is no better way forward other than a government of national unity led by an elected president, as certified by the Independent Election Commission," Xinhua quoted Kubis as saying Thursday.

"I continue to emphasise that in a government of national unity there will be no losers, only partners."

Kubis told the UN Security Council members via video-conference that the current political deadlock is deepening a crisis which has already taken a heavy political, security and economic toll in the country with "real risks for the future".

Afghanistan's presidential election was held April 5.

Since none of the eight contenders succeeded in securing over 50 percent of the votes cast, the two front-runners went for a run-off June 14.

The main phase of the UN-supervised audit of the run-off was completed Sep 4 and the announcement of updated results is expected shortly.