KABUL - Chief Executive Officer (CEO) Dr. Abdullah Abdullah on Thursday said the people blamed government leaders for all ills, little realising the sitting government had been established to prevent a looming tragedy.
Speaking at a ceremony marking the anniversary of the constitution’s adoption, Abdullah called approval of the basic law 13 years ago a historic move. He reaffirmed the unity government’s commitmentto the implementation of the historic document.
He said some parts of the constitution needed elaboration as they did not answer some basic questions. For example, the constitution does not mention a specific date and time for elections, an issue that has created problems in drawing up electoral timelines.
Abdullah acknowledged with the adoption of the constitution, all vacuums had been filled. Afghanistan’s constitution was on the best at the regional level, but Article 149 was ambiguous, he noted.
Article 149 says: “The principle of adherence to the tenets of Islam as well as Islamic republicanism shall not be amended. Amending laws regarding fundamental rights of the people shall be permitted only to improve them.
“Amending other articles of the constitution, with due respect to new experiences and demands of the time, as well as provisions of Articles 67 and 146, shall become effective with a proposal from the president and approval of from a majority of national assembly members.”
Abdullah asked all people to respect the constitution, “During ratification of the constitution, different ideas were floated about different parts, particularly about the system of governance. I was personally supportive of the parliamentary system,” he recalled.
However, the CEO added later on, they realised the parliamentary system had greater compatibility with the situation of Afghanistan. “It doesn’t mean that we reject the constitution. I still believe the parliamentary system can better meet people’s needs.”
The national unity government was formed under specific conditions, based on the need to prevent a grim crisis in the country. The creation the government was an event that would be recorded in Afghanistan’s history and judged by the people.
“People today also judge the government and blame its leaders for all problems. Even if there is no rainfall, they blame us despite the fact that the unity government is a whole new experience in Afghanistan,” he remarked.
Abdullah opined there should be a clear process for devolution of power at different levels. For example, the law says mayors should be elected, but in reality the process has been ignored and they are appointed by the government, a process which has been unsuccessful. (Pajhwok)