Afghanistan could be headed for early presidential elections to ensure Afghans are not going to the polls at the same time foreign troops are pulling out.

Afghan President Hamid Karzai raised the possibility of holding the election next year – and not in 2014 – during a news conference Thursday with NATO Secretary General Anders Fogh Rasmussen.

Mr. Karzai said he has discussed the possibility with his inner circle but that no decision has been made.

Mr. Karzai is required to step down in 2014, just as international combat troops are scheduled to leave the country. There have been concerns the combination of an election just as Afghan forces are taking over complete responsibility for security could put the country under too much strain.

Mr. Karzai won a second, five-year term in 2009. The Afghan constitution bars him from seeking re-election.