KABUL - The Change and Continuity team, led by Dr. Ashraf Ghani Ahmadzai, indicated on Monday to install ex-First Vice-president Ahmad Zia Masood as chief executive of the country if it won the ballot.

Nauman Shinwari, a spokesman for the Dr. Ashraf Ghani camp, told Pajhwok Afghan News a mutual commitment with Masood would be accomplished if Ahmadzai won the election. The post will be created after an amendment to the constitution.

Shinwari’s statement comes a day after Haji Mohammad Mohaqiq, Dr. Abdullah Abullah’s choice for vice president, said there was a difference in the views of both presidential candidates.  He said the candidates had agreed the loser would have a seat on the executive council of the new government.

Shinwari, meanwhile, rejected Mohaqiq’s claim and said no such agreement had been reached with US Secretary of State John Kerry and UNAMA head John Kubis. 

“In clear words, they agreed on transparency in the election process. A government of national unity will be formed after the winner is declared. But that does not mean a coalition government,” he explained. 

Shinwari said in case of his team’s victory, qualified people from both teams would be considered for government positions. Masood would be nominated for the post of chief executive, which would later be constitutionally evolved into prime ministry.

The Independent Election Commission (IEC) said the recounting process would last three weeks before the winner could be announced.

President Hamid Karzai urged the IEC to complete the process as soon as possible so that the power could be transferred to the newly elected president. (Pajhwok)