KABUL (SW): A number of analysts have criticized the rise of a number of presidential spokesmen to higher government posts over the past two years.
In conversation with Salam Watandar, analysts blamed that the President Mohammad Ashraf Ghani is pursuing a plan to place his loyal men at key posts, a charge rejected by the Presidential palace. In the past 2 years, a number of presidential spokesmen have been introduced, but none remained at this post for long, and were promoted to key positions.
Sami Darayi, civil society activist, has said the claim by the Presidency about merit-based appointments is not true. “President Ghani has introduced lesser known people as his media advisors, once they are introduced to media, they are then promoted to higher posts, and with this method the President is trying to surround himself with trusted people”, added Darayi.
Saber Hakim, a university lecturer, told Salam Watandar the Arg’s method of recruitment is questionable which undermines democratic values. “If Arg is used as a platform for other high profile positions, then I do not see rationality in the method”, added Hakim.
But, Shah Hussein Murtazavi, deputy spokesman for the President, has rejected these allegations. He has said the President’s office fills vacant posts on merit, and qualified persons are promoted to other positions.
Recently, Haroon Chakhansuri, former spokesman for the President, was promoted as the deputy director of governmental affairs at the Administrative Office of the President. He has done his Masters in Public Administration from the University of Sydney, and has previously served with the World Bank and the Ministry of Public Health.
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