Supreme Court in Afghanistan extends govt’s tenure

By Shadi Khan Saif

KABUL, Afghanistan (AA) - The Supreme Court of Afghanistan has approved an extension to the government's tenure until forthcoming elections, despite opposition by a number of presidential candidates, officials and local media said on Sunday.

Based on the apex court’s ruling, there were no other logical and practical solutions than granting extension to the government’s tenure until next presidential polls slated for Sept. 28 are held, the local Salam Afghanistan radio said.

The tenure of National Unity Government led by President Mohammad Ashraf Ghani was due to end on May 21. Owing to delay in the presidential elections, the matter has become a bone of contention among the politicians in rival camps.

Shah Hussain Murtazawi, deputy spokesman for the president, said in a statement the country faced similar issues before elections in 2009 and 2014, but the constitution clearly grants the government an extension until fresh polls.

Among the presidential candidates include the incumbent President Ghani, his power-sharing Chief Executive Officer Abdullah Abdullah, former National Security Adviser Haneef Atmar and former Mujahedeen leader Gulbuddin Hekmatyar.