Ismail Khan backs parliamentary system, Coalition for Salvation of Afghanistan

n an interview with 1TV, the politician, who has served as an energy minister and the governor of western Herat province, also backed the recently formed Coalition for Salvation of Afghanistan.

He suggested that the parliamentary system of governance would ensure broader participation of different sects of the people.

Currently, there is parliamentary system of governance in place in Afghanistan. The parliamentary system has been sought for majorly by Abdullah Abdullah who secures the post of Chief Executive and is expecting a constitutional change to create the post of a prime minister.

President Ashraf Ghani’s aides, however, have opposed the proposed system.

Second Vice-President Sarwar Danish this week said that the parliamentary system of governance would lead to ethnic and partisan grip of power.

“Undoubtedly, a person who is in power doesn’t want the power to be divided,” Khan said. “(Danish) should understand people will not accept a government in which they have no participation.”

Backing Coalition for Salvation of Afghanistan which includes leaders of three major parties, Khan said the coalition will soon be joined by influential people.

He argued that the coalition has been formed to push for reforms, not to overthrow the establishment.

“I think that our brothers in northern Afghanistan have made a good decision. They have not decided to topple the government,” Khan said adding the alliance was formed to stop Ghani from hoarding decision-making power among a small group of officials.

Khan warned that Ghani’s sidelining of others would lead the country towards war.