New cabinet set to be named today

KABUL (Pajhwok): More three months after its inauguration, President Mohammad Ashraf Ghani’s administration is all poised to name a new cabinet today (Monday).

The unity government took office three and a half months back when the president pledged to name the cabinet within 45 days. But he has since been dithering on the issue.

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

At the London Conference, the president and CEO set another deadline of four weeks but they failed once again to introduce the cabinet nominees to the parliament for trust vote.

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

A day earlier, Abdul Ali Mohammadi, legal advisor to Ghani, said the cabinet would be introduced on Monday. A number of individuals were trying to force their choices on Ghani, he alleged.

Previously, Wolesi Jirga Speaker Abdur Rauf Ibrahimi had said the president had promised to announce the cabinet on Monday. The house is due to rise for its winter recess in less than two weeks.

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