Afghan draft constitution unveiled
 |
The draft envisages a strongly Islamic core to Afghanistan's government.
Story Tools
|
KABUL, Afghanistan -- Afghanistan has unveiled its much-delayed draft constitution, outlining a strongly Islamic basis for the nation's future government and paving the way for elections in 2004.
The document, held up by months of wrangling over its contents, is seen as a key step on the road to recovery for a country battered by two decades of civil war.
It names the country as the Islamic Republic of Afghanistan and lays the framework for a presidential style of government elected directly by the people.
"I hope this will be acceptable for the people and will direct people toward peace, security and democracy," former King Mohamed Zaher Shah said at a ceremony in Kabul marking the completion of the draft constitution.
The 12 chapter document still has to be formally approved by a constitutional grand council, or loya jirga, due to convene in Kabul next month.
Included in the constitution are rules on the formation of political parties, setting the stage for elections scheduled to be held next June.
Among those expected to contest the vote is incumbent President Hamid Karzai, who was appointed to office following the collapse of the Taliban regime in late 2001.
Islamic principles
|
Karzai is widely expected to contest and win the June elections.
|
Despite the strong emphasis on Islam as a unifying force, the hardline Islamic law practiced by the Taliban is not expected to make a comeback under the new constitution.
"The draft is based on Islamic principles and recognizes that no law can be contrary to the sacred religion of Islam," Afghanistan's 35-member Constitutional Review Commission said in a statement Monday, adding that the document provided for the freedom of religion for other faiths.
The writing of the constitution had been criticized by many Western governments and aid agencies who said the commission had failed to take into account the views of ordinary Afghans and held many of their deliberations in secret.
In response, the commission said it sent out almost half a million questionnaires and held village meetings across the country to gauge public opinion.
It said many Afghans who cannot read or write had submitted their views on the constitution in the form of audio tape recordings.
Copyright 2003 CNN. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
Associated Press contributed to this report.
