KABUL (Pajhwok): The Fikr Aw Amal Jirga, a party led by ex-interior minister Ali Ahmad Jalali, on Wednesday announced its support to leading presidential candidate Ashraf Ghani Ahmadzai.
At a gathering of the Jirga, representing around 2000 influential figures, Jalali slammed the misuse of foreign aid over the past 12 years.         
The incoming government would not have much support and should work more with fewer resources, Jalali said, stressing better capacity to tackle the challenges facing Afghanistan.
“Addressing these challenges requires strong and united leadership and a good team and programme. The Jirga sees this ability in the programmes and the leadership of Ashraf Ghani Ahmadzai. Therefore, we support him.” 
Ghani hailed the jirga’s announcement, saying its support had taken him a step closer to victory in the April election.
His camp offered space to any political or movement for working together to find ways of putting the country on the road to stability. Without a powerful government, the country could not be reconstructed,” Ghani said.  
Mohammad Gulab Mangal, former Helmand governor, said the Jirga represented all ethnic groups, influential figures, investors and intellectuals. 
Sibghatullah Mujaddedi, Sayed Ahmad Gilani, Anwarul Haq Ahadi and Right and Justice Party leader Hanif Atmar have also announced their support to Ahmadzai.