Cabinet set to decide on long-awaited election reform

KABUL (Pajhwok): President Ashraf Ghani’s legislative decree on long-awaited electoral reforms would be referred to the cabinet for approval today (Saturday), a presidential aide said.

President’s deputy spokesman Shah Hussain Murtazawi told Pajhwok Afghan News a cabinet meeting, which was scheduled for last week, would take place today to decide on the legislative decree about election reforms.

The Presidential Palace had previously said that the third legislative decree would be implemented without being referred to the parliament on the basis of legal advice from the Independent Commission for Overseeing the Implementation of Constitution (ICOIC).

Based on the decree, the selection committee would introduce new members of election commissions to the Presidential Palace for appointment. The Palace legislative committee last week decided to finalise the amended draft election law and refer it to the cabinet for approval.

Murtazawi said Chief Executive Officer (CEO) Dr. Abdullah Abdullah would also participate in the cabinet meeting. After the meeting, both the president and CEO would set a date for their next sitting on resolving their differences, he added.

During a gathering at the Sapedar Palace on World Youth Day, Abdullah criticised Ghani over some issues and said he had no option but to openly express his views. The CEO said he could not meet the president in three months to discuss the promises made in the unity government deal.

The agreement envisages the legitimacy of the CEO post, convening a Loya Jirga, amending the constitution, reforming the election system and distribution of computerised identify cards.

On the other hand, CEO’s deputy spokesman, Ahmad Misam, said it was unclear whether or not Abdullah would participate in the cabinet meeting.

Last Wednesday, sources in the Presidential Palace and CEO office said the two leaders had met on resolving their differences. Officials said the president and the CEO would hold two more meetings in the near future.

mds/mud