Aminzai, Baheer & Azimi sworn in as new senators

KABUL -- or upper house of parliament -- were administered oath of office on Sunday.

Dr. Ghairat Baheer, Dr. Bakhtar Aminzai and Amanullah Azimi were introduced to the upper house by President Ashraf Ghani.

Azimi, Baheer and Aminzai replaced Abdul Baqi Baryal, Nisar Haris and Farida Kochi respectively.

Article 86 of the constitution says members of the House of Elders shall be elected and appointed as follows:

1. From amongst each provincial council member, one individual shall be elected by the respective council for a four years term;

2. From amongst district councils of each province, one individual, elected by the respective councils, for a three years term;

3. The remaining one third of members shall be appointed by the president for a five-year term from amongst experts and experienced personalities, including two members from amongst the impaired and handicapped, as well as two from nomads.

The president shall appoint 50 percent of these individuals from amongst women.  The individual selected as a member shall lose membership of the council, and another individual shall be appointed in accordance with the provisions of the law.

Senate Chairman Fazal Hadi Muslimyar commended the performance of the outgoing senators with flowers and appreciation certificates.

nh/mud