KABUL (Pajhwok): Kabul-based political analysts on Saturday expressed cynicism about the concept of a national unity government, believing that some greedy politicians are eying perks and power by entering such a dispensation.
During a debate on the issue at the Regional Studies Centre in Kabul, speakers said the idea was patently in conflict with the democratic spirit of elections and the winner forming a government of his choice.
Khalil Roman, an analyst, said national unity governments were formed in certain countries but only at highly critical times. “In such a situation, rival political parties join to form a unity government but only until the end of the crisis.”
In Roman’s view, Afghanistan is facing a security crisis, not an election crisis, and hence a unity government be made to address the issue of peace. He alleged a political crisis has been created deliberately to clinch power.
Najibullah Manali, another speaker, also rejected the idea. “We have had elections in which a large number of people participated. The problem here is that the losing candidate does not accept the results; we do not need a unity government. People’s choice of a leader should be respected.”
Calling the current political uncertainty a “drama”, he said it was being staged to grab power. He urged both candidates Ashraf Ghani and Abdullah to let the audit process proceed before discussing the future set-up.
Senior journalist Abdul Hameed Mubarez opined national unity governments were made only during serious crises and that too for a short period. He said the opposition leader’s nomination with mutual consent would be undemocratic.
He alleged both candidates had agreed to form a unity government only for grabbing ministries, gubernatorial slots and other benefits.
sks/mud
