Second Vice President Sarwar Danish on Saturday underlined the imperative of national unity, promising that the Wolesi Jirga election would be held on schedule.

AVA-  Danish issued the call for unity while addressing the lower house of parliament on the occasion of introducing 12 ministers-designates to lawmakers for the vote of confidence.
 
Concern at divisions
 
“The enemies of the country have been trying to widen the gap between the government and the people and create divisions among different ethnic groups,” the VP alleged.
 
Danish accused Afghanistan’s foes of seeking to pit government organs against one another. He said the government and parliament should work together to prevent divisions in the nation.
 
Elections
 
Danish said the conduction Wolesi Jirga election is set for the next year and presidential election for the year after. He stressed over the orgnisation of timely election which he termed top priorities of the government. Danish claimed many steps had been taken during the past one year to ensure the conduct of upcoming polls.
 
He added: “Criticism and suggestions from eminent personalities, political parties, civil society and public representatives have been noted by the government. Election belongs to the people, not to the government or parliament.
 
“As it has already announced, the government is committed to conducting elections on time with the support of parliament, political parties and civil society. We hope the election will be free and fair...”
 
The Independent Election Commission (IEC) has announced July 18, 2018 as the date for the Wolesi Jirga and district council election.
 
Government performance
 
The VP admitted the government went through a difficult situation last year but was able to deal with challenges. Despite difficulties, tremendous gains had been achieved, he said.
 
He added Afghanistan had a positive imaged at the international level and many pledges of support held out to the country by the global community were being implemented.
 
Danish hailed the new US strategy as a giant stride, as far as support from the international community for Afghanistan was concerned. The new policy represented hope for the people of Afghanistan.
 
The vice-president claimed major steps had been taken to eradicate the scourge of corruption and some institution like the judiciary, civil services and others were being reformed.