KABUL - Some Meshrano Jirga or Senate members on Tuesday said decisions from lawmakers would have no legal status beyond June 22, the date when the incumbent parliament term expires.
They insisted the government should announce a date for holding the next parliamentary elections.
Under the Constitution, the parliamentary polls should have taken place by now, but the vote was postponed by the Independent Election Commission (IEC) citing lack of funds.
Senator Zalmai Zabuli from southern Zabul province said after June 22 the lower house would lose its legitimacy and the government was also running out of excuses for not holding the elections.
He added if the president extended the parliament term through a decree, the lower house business would still be illegal beyond June 22 because the president lacked the authority to extend the parliament term.
“Until the election date is known or another legal solution is sought, the lower house will not have a legal basis and we won’t recognise it.”
He warned if no steps were taken to set a date for the vote, the upper house would be left with no choice but to disapprove bills referred to them from the lower house.
Jumauddin Gayanwal, another senator, said: “Not holding parliamentary elections will push the country into crisis.”
He alleged the lower house had approved the Bilateral Security Agreement (BSA) between Afghanistan and the US after US officials promised them one year extension in their work.
Senator Gul Ahmad Azami said if the lower house continued unconstitutionally, it would have a negative impact the Senate as well. “The Wolesi Jirga won’t be able to approve or change any law once its term is over.”
Senate Chairman Fazl Hadi Muslimyar said if dates for the next parliamentary elections were set, the work of the sitting house members would be legal.
“If the elections are going to take place in the next two or three months, the Wolesi Jirga can continue with its work,” he added.
Muslimyar urged the unity government leaders to set aside their differences and rescue the parliament from becoming an illegitimate entity. (Pajhwok)