KABUL - Mahmoud Karzai, President Hamid Karzai's brother, has renounced his US citizenship to take a more prominent role in Afghanistan's politics, he said in an interview with TOLOnews Thursday, stating that his plan is not to take the presidency.

"I gave back my American passport and renounced my citizenship. The reason is that I have been working in Afghanistan for 12 years now and hardly ever go to America. I am also quite old, and want to cohere and become more active in the politics of Afghanistan," he said.

When asked if he planned to run as a candidate in the upcoming 2014 presidential election, Mahmoud answered: "I am not a candidate for the president, but I want to be very active in the politics of Afghanistan."

However, he pointed out that if another one of the Karzai's brothers, Qayoum, stood as a candidate, he would give him his full support.

"If my brother nominates himself, yes, I will support him. But it is up to my brother (Qayoum) whether he provides me work or not. Perhaps he won't," he said.

Mahmoud said he believes the election will be transparent, while suggesting that there will be problems if there is any delay or it is not held in 2014.

Political parties have previously voiced concerns that a family relation of President Karzai running as a candidate will have an unfair advantage given many in the government is likely to back him.

The president has responded with an assurance that neither the government nor any other group will be allowed to interfere the country's presidential election.

President Karzai is not permitted to stand as a candidate for a third term under Afghanistan's Constitution. (Tolo News)