MPs propose another way of protest

KABUL): As their protest entered its eighth day, some parliamentarians on Sunday predicted that their vow of silence would prove futile.

Lawmakers have maintained silence in the Wolesi Jirga chamber in protest of Karzai’s failure to honour his promise to quickly submit a list of nominations for vacant cabinet seats and heads of independent organisations, including the Supreme Court.

Earlier, MPs have said they would continue their protest until the house rose for its summer recess, which has already been delayed for 15 days to give Karzai more time to complete his list of nominees.

Samiullah Samim, a lawmaker from western Farah province, said their silence would not convince Karzai and they should adopt another form of protest.

He asked fellow lawmakers to launch a civil movement that puts pressure on the government into accepting their demands. However, he did not explain the movement.

Another lawmaker from western Herat province, Ahmad Farhad Majeedi, said because their protest has produced no results, they would have to change course.

He said if they want their demands to be met, they must forge unity among their ranks.

Of the 249 MPs, only 80 were present at Sunday’s session.

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