Mixed reaction over govt 100 days’ performance

KABUL (Pajhwok): People from different walks of life expressed mixed reaction over the performance of the unity government in its first 100 days in office.

Critics said delay to name the cabinet was a serious matter of concern among countrymen, which left far-reaching negative impact on the government’s performance.

According to a report launched by SadRoz.af, the unity government achieved four of its campaign promises so far and made progress in 23 others. At least 83 more promises remained untouched.

The report documented the promises of both leading candidates in the runoff election and launched on inauguration day containing 100 promises made both by President Mohammad Ashraf Ghani and Chief Executive Officer (CEO) Abdullah Abdullah.

Of the four promises achieved, one pertains to peace and security, the second one is good governance, one in socio-cultural but no progress could be made to improve the aid-dependent economy.

However, of the 23 promises on which the unity government made progress, four were in peace and security, six in economy, six in governance, and seven in socio-cultural, the report said.

The report stated that the government invested more on governance, peace and security and less on economic and socio-cultural issues.

On its second day in office, the government signed the Bilateral Security Agreement (BSA) with the US and a Status of Force Agreement with NATO. On its third day, President Ghani reopened the Kabul bank embezzlement case.

The report said the government started work with rapid progress in the first 40 days, after which the pace seemed to slow down due to the president’s foreign trips and London conference.

Mohammad Hassan Wolosmal, a political commentator said the government failed in its performance and had no achievement apart from signing the BSA.

“It has been three months that the ministries are being run by caretakers. Security deteriorates on daily basis and the president and CEO still have a lot of differences. Each day that passes people’s trust is reducing,” he added.

Ali Akbar Jamshidi, a lawmaker from central Daikundi province said the government failed in implementing its promises. “Unemployment is high, graft is rampant at the ports, and the economy is stumbling, but this government does not have ministers until now.”

Rafiullah Gul Afghan, a senator, said it was difficult to have more expectations from such a government.

However Mohammad Yonus Fakor, another political commentator, expressed his satisfaction with the government’s performance in the last three months.

He said Afghanistan was mired in deep challenges and miracle should not be expected from it overnight.

hg/rm

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