KABUL - Negotiations are in progress to elect the successor of late Afghan vice president Marshal Mohammad Qasim Fahim.

According to reports, talks between Afghan president Hamid Karzai and his advisors along with a number of Mujahideen leaders are in progress to appoint the successor Marshal Fahim.

Ata Mohammad Noor governor of northern Balkh province, Afghan parliament member Younus Qanooni, Afghan high peace council chief Salahuddin Rabbani and Afghan defense minister Gen. Bismillah Mohammadi are the favorable candidates for the post.

The successor of late Marshal Qasim Fahim is expected to be announced within the next the two or three days.

This comes as earlier reports suggested that Ahmad Wali Massoud, brother of Ahmad Shah Massoud, is one of the possible candidates for the post.

However, political analysts believe that the current Afghan defense minister Bismillah Mohammadi might be appointed as successor of Marshal Fahim.

Sources in presidential palace have also confirmed that negations are in progress between President Hamid Karzai and political and Mujahideen leaders to appoint Marshal Fahim’s successor within the next two days.

In the meantime, officials in Jamiat party of Afghanistan have said that irregular contacts have taken place between president Karzai and the party members regarding the issue, however no decision have been taken so far.

Jamiat party also favors Bismillah Mohammadi as the successor of Marshal Fahim as he has been serving in various governmental posts.

President Hamid Karzai has the authority as per the constitution of Afghanistan to appoint new individual in the event of the death or resignation of his vice president and introduce him to Afghan parliament for confidence vote. (KP)