Afghan President Extends Parliament's Term, Promises Election Date

Afghan President Ashraf Ghani (file photo)

Afghanistan's president issued a decree on June 19 extending parliament's mandate until a vote could be held after elections scheduled for April were postponed because of security fears.

Parliament's five-year term was set to expire on June 22.

President Ashraf Ghani's office said the decision to let the existing parliament stay on had been taken in consultation with the judiciary, the legislative, and the executive, and a new election date would be announced within 30 days.

Both Ghani and rival Abdullah Abdullah claimed victory after last year's presidential vote was marred by accusations of widespread fraud on both sides.

It took months for them to agree to a U.S.-brokered deal to form a unity government with Ghani as president and Abdullah as chief executive.

Under the deal, electoral reforms were a condition for holding future votes, but little progress has been made because rivals in government disagree over who should lead the reform commission.

Based on reporting by Reuters and tribune.com.pk