Afghan presidential candidate Abdullah Abdullah has unilaterally withdrawn his team's election observers from an official recount of ballots ahead of long-delayed election results.

Abdullah said on Sunday the results will have no legitimacy if his team's observers are not present during the recount by Afghanistan's Independent Election Commission.

Abdullah is a partner in the country's unity government headed by President Ashraf Ghani, his lead contender in the election.

Ghani has so far not withdrawn his observers from the recounting process, but other candidates have expressed frustration with the recounting process.

Polling was held on Sept 28, but the announcement of results repeatedly postponed after accusations of misconduct and technical issues with counting ballots.

Preliminary election results are expected on Nov 14.