4 women to be inducted into new cabinet

KABUL (Pajhwok): President Mohammad Ashraf Ghani and Chief Executive Officer (CEO) Abdullah Abdullah have agreed on most points, paving way for early formation of the cabinet, an official said on Sunday.

Presidential spokesman Nazifullah Salarzai told Pajhwok Afghan News Ghani and Abdullah had agreed on appointing new faces as ministers. In addition, four women ministers would be part of the cabinet.

The nominees will be introduced to the Wolesi Jirga for a vote of confidence. The presidential aide said both leaders were on same page on the need for appointing efficient and competent individuals to head key ministries.

The Wolesi Jirga has repeatedly asked the government not to delay the formation of the cabinet. Earlier, the lower house warned the government would lose its legitimacy if cabinet members were not announced soon.

After oath-taking, the president issued a decree asking all ministers, governors and departmental heads to continue their jobs in an acting capacity. However, under the law, the time of acting capacity should not exceed a month.

rm/mud