Editor in Chief: Moh. Reza Huwaida Friday, March 29th, 2024

Senate Warns of not Recognising Wolesi Jirga

Senate Warns of not  Recognising Wolesi Jirga

KABUL - Some Meshrano Jirga or Senate members on Tuesday called for early announcement of parliamentary elections date, otherwise they would not approve any draft legalising the incumbent lower house.

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.”

Earlier, President Ashraf Ghani had said the Wolesi Jirga would continue until parliamentary elections dates were set in a month.

A statement from the Presidential Palace had cited technical, security, financial and other problems that led to the delay in holding the Wolesi Jirga elections.

The statement said it had been decided that the incumbent Wolesi Jirga would continue keeping in view the current problems and challenges.

Senator Afzal Shamil urged leaders of the unity government to materialise their pledge with the people that they would announce date for the ballot.

He said the government should specify parliamentary election schedule before the end of the one month deadline. He, however, said the Meshrano Jirga would not agree with any decision of the lower house until the election dates were announced.

Senator Dr. Sami Faisal held similar views saying no bill or draft would be approved until the election date was announced.

Zalmai Zabuli and some other lawmakers expressed similar opinions during their debate on the subject.

Chairman Senate Fazal Hadi Muslimyar urged the president and Chief Executive Officer (CEO) to specify dates for Wolesi Jirga election.

Earlier, Abdul Ali Mohammadi, president’s legal advisor, said Wolesi Jirga election would take place in the near future. (Pajhwok)