Cabinet nominees woo Wolesi Jirga members

KABUL members on Monday claimed some cabinet nominees had approached lawmakers to ensure they won votes of confidence.

Under Article 64 of the constitution, the cabinet candidates are elected by the suggestion of president and Wolesi Jirga members.

Differences between Ghani and Chief Executive Officer Dr Abdullah on some nominations are said to have forced the government to miss three deadlines so far.

During the oath-taking ceremony on September 29, 2014, Ghani had said cabinet picks would be introduced within 45 days, a promise that was honoured in breach.

Two weeks back, the president set a one week deadline. But the result was the same, prompting criticism from the parliament and civil society.

Hazrat Ali, a public representative from Nangarhar province, told Pajhwok Afghan News some cabinet picks had started campaigning for trust votes.

He said minister-designate of foreign affairs Salahuddin Rabbani and minister-designate of finance Ghulam Jilani Popal had met him and asked for his vote.

A legislator from Kunar province, Maulvi Shahzada Shahid, claimed one candidate had come to his residence in search of vote. Two others had approached him telephonically, he revealed.

Another Wolesi Jirga member from Kabul, Zakaria also said some cabinet nominees were campaigning for their victory. “It’s a democratic process, everyone has the right to campaign.”

He explained some candidates had contacted him. There would be no legal problem if the campaign did not involve secret deals, the MP observed.

mds/mud

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