Ghazni residents divided on special court verdict

GHAZNI (PAN): Ghazni residents are divided on the special court’s verdict about last year’s Parliamentary election.

Some back the special court’s verdict, which disqualified 62 sitting MPs. Others say its decision was unconstitutional and could cause a crisis.

Dr. Humaun, a member of Cultural Unity Association, said that many people in the province feel their rights have been validated and are happy about the special court verdict.

The special court disqualified four MPs in Ghazni and named four others to replace them.

But MP Abdul Malik Habebi said that without the support of the Independent Election Commission (IEC), the decision of the special court represents unconstitutional interference in Parliament’s affairs.

He also blamed president Karzai for failing to heed the decisions of the IEC and Electoral Complain Commission (ECC), who ratified last September’s election results.

Another Ghazni MP, Chaman Shah Etemadi, also called the special court unconstitutional and said it would provoke a crisis.

Sessions have recently been held in Ghazni over the special court’s verdict. Participants are divided on the constitutionality of the special court.

Abdul Jabbar Shalgarai, who would gain a seat in the Wolesi Jirga if the special court’s decision is enforced, said the special court verdict had legal force and that the court had been established when the ECC sent electoral complaints to the Attorney General for more evaluation.

Provincial elections in Ghazni last year faced many problems. Polling stations in about 14 districts were closed because of the security situation.

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