KABUL (SW) – The federation of civil societies on Wednesday charged president, Mohammad Ashraf Ghani, for striving to handpick the next parliament.
Sidiq Mansur Ansari, head of the federation, said the president is aiming to form a foundation ‘Democracy’ through which up to 150 parliamentarians would be helped to secure seats in the Wolesi Jirga (lower house).
He added this proposed foundation is particularly interested in supporting young parliamentarians.
Ansari claimed appointments at the Independent Election Commission (IEC) have been based on contacts and corruption. The federation of civil societies charged the IEC commissioner, Seema Badghesi, for appointing close relatives in the commission. Salam Watandar wished to have the views of Seema Badghesi, but repeated calls were not responded.
Meanwhile, Shah Hussain Murtazavi, deputy spokesman for the president, told Salam Watandar the president is committed towards inclusive and fair elections.
ENDS
