From 1979, when the Soviets invaded Afghanistan, until the early 2000s, the country had no stable institutions. For much of the period it was embroiled in conflict that brought untold suffering to the people. Things changed radically with the December 2001 Bonn Agreements which put in place a process for returning the country to normality with the supervision and support of the international community.
Following the adoption of a new constitution in January 2004, landmark presidential elections took place in 2004, and in September 2005 the first parliamentary elections in 30 years were held. These developments have given birth to a bicameral parliament which is recognized as broadly representative of Afghan society. Women are substantially represented, accounting for roughly 25% of the seats.
The predicament facing the newly-established parliament tends to mirror the general state of the country, with its poor infrastructure and acute shortage of qualified human resources. The situation is similar to that faced by many a post-conflict parliament.
The IPU and the United Nations Development Programme have been at the forefront of efforts by the international community to meet the challenges facing the young parliament which was inaugurated in December 2005. A far-reaching programme of assistance worth over $15 million has been operational since early 2005 and was instrumental in preparations for convening the inaugural session of parliament. Under this programme the UNDP and IPU are partnering to deliver technical assistance. The two have organized training for the pioneer staff of the parliamentary secretariat. Capacity-building programmes have also been organized for members of parliament both in-country and abroad. There is a real need for this type of assistance as there is little or no parliamentary experience to rely on.
The newly established parliament is going to be crucial to restoring stability and peace to Afghanistan. For this to happen, it must establish a new legal framework for the rule of law and help to create an environment that is conducive to the well-being of the Afghan people. High hopes are being pinned on this fledgling institution. Many are looking to it to contribute effectively to reconciliation among all Afghans through the articulation of their interests into equitable policy.
A recent highlight of the IPU/UNDP partnership was a conference organized in Kabul for members of the Meshrano Jirga (upper house of parliament) on relations between the legislative and executive arms of government. The leitmotiv of this conference was the need to promote a partnership between the two rather than foster a needless and futile confrontation. This does not mean that the government should not be held to account for its actions and work in a way that is relevant to the people's aspirations.
The Kabul conference identified mechanisms which have proven their worth in other jurisdictions in promoting transparent and accountable governance. In the words of the Speaker of the Meshrano Jirga, Professor Sibghatullah Al-Mojaddedi, who doubles as the President of the National Commission for Peace and Reconciliation, "the supremacy of the people should be the overriding consideration in parliament's work". He added that "while seeking to avoid conflict with the government, the parliament should not compromise on the people's interest. There is a need for both arms of government to work together for the achievement of social justice and democracy within the rule of law". It is no wonder that the April confirmation hearings in parliament for newly appointed members of government attracted a lot of attention among the people. Besides, the fact that these hearings were broadcast live on radio and television points to the efforts that are being made to promote transparency.
