KABUL - President Mohammad Ashraf Ghani on Sunday said fate of Wolesi Jirga or lower house of parliament would be decided as per constitution and developing national consensus.

Article 83 of the constitution states: “The constitutionally mandated tenure of the house of people shall terminate after the disclosure of the results of the election, on the 1st of Saratan (22 June), and the new parliament shall commence work.”

Based on article, the elections should have taken place by now, but was postponed by the Independent Election Commission (IEC) due to lack of funds.

Some lawmakers vehemently criticized the delay, urging president to specify a date for parliamentary elections.

Some parliamentarians were of the opinion that after June 22, the lower house work would have no legal basis, while others insisted without elections they could continue work.

President Mohammad Ashraf Ghani has held 12 separate meetings with several groups, discussing the future of Afghan parliament, a statement from the Presidential Palace said on Sunday.

According to the statement, the meetings were held to talk about the possible dates for parliamentary elections and work of the electoral reforms commission.

Senior political and Jihadi figures, religious scholars, members of the Independent Election Commission (IEC), and members of national assembly were in attendance.

“After listening to suggestions of attendants, we are committed to specify a date for parliamentary elections, but before that a consensus should be developed on security, technical and political affairs,” the statement while quoting the president added.

The president has assured that finding financial sources was government’s responsibility and all means would be exploited for holding transparent elections.

He however, said that interpretation of constitution was Supreme Court’s responsibility, the statement concluded. (Pajhwok)