KABUL, Dec 25, 2011: The newly formed Afghanistan National Coalition on Sunday called changes by President Hamid Karzai in composition of the election commission and the human rights body as a step towards helping his relatives and aides remain in power.

Karzai on Sunday granted extension to two Independent Election Commission (IEC) members -- Momina Yari and Mohammad Hussain Garziwani -- and replaced Ayub Asil, Mastura Stanikzai and Suleman Hamid, who completed their terms.

The three new commissioners are Mohammad Hashim Faulad, Rida Azimi and Ghulam Dastagir Azad. IEC chief, Fazal Ahmad Manawi, and member Abdul Khaliq Pashayee are yet to complete their terms.

PAJHWOK/ Hewad Hashimi