The National Assembly of Afghanistan (Pashto: ملی شورا, Dari: شورای ملی) served as the national legislature of Afghanistan in various forms between 1931 and 2021.[1][2] It functioned during the monarchal, republican, communist, and liberal democratic periods of the country's history.[1][3] The assembly was a bicameral body consisting of the Meshrano Jirga (House of Elders) and the Wolesi Jirga (House of the People).[1][2]
Historical Evolution
The origins of the National Assembly can be traced back to the era of Amanullah Khan, who included the foundation of such a body in his basic government regulations.[1][4] However, the assembly was primarily consultative during his reign.[1] Under Nadir Khan, the parliament was organized into the National Assembly and the Council of Notables.[1][5] The first period of the National Assembly began on 18 Sanbola 1310 A.H.S. with 111 members and met at the Salam House in the Arg.[1][5]
Between that era and the coup of Daud Khan, the assembly functioned for thirteen legislative terms, during which most representatives were appointed rather than elected.[1] Following the coup, Daud Khan dissolved the National Assembly and intended to establish a unicameral body called the Milli Jirga, which never commenced operations.[1] The National Assembly was later reconstituted during the reign of Najibullah and lasted for only one term.[1] Afghanistan remained without a legislative power until the establishment of the Islamic Republic.[1]
Legislative Structure and Roles
The National Assembly served as the highest legislative organ, representing the will of the people and the interests of the nation.[2][6] It was composed of 352 seats: 250 for the Wolesi Jirga and 102 for the Meshrano Jirga.[1][2]
Ratification, modification, or abrogation of laws or legislative decrees.[1][2]
- Approval of social, cultural, economic, and technological development programs.[1][2]
- Approval of the state budget and authorization for loans.[1][2]
- Creation, modification, or abrogation of administrative units.[1][2]
- Ratification of international treaties and agreements, or the cancellation of Afghanistan's membership in them.[1][2]
Candidates for this house were required to be at least 25 years old, citizens, registered voters, and free of any charges of crimes against humanity.[2]
The Meshrano Jirga consisted of a mixture of appointed and elected members.[2] One-third of its 34 members were elected by district councils, one-third by provincial councils, and one-third were nominated by the president.[2] President Karzai's appointments were vetted by an independent UN-sponsored board and were required to include 50% women.[2]
Monarchal and Republican Periods
The assembly functioned through various political shifts, including the monarchical period and the subsequent republican eras.[1][3] It was effectively suspended between 1992 and 2005 due to ongoing war.[2] Following the collapse of the first Taliban regime, it was reconstituted in 2005.[2]
The assembly was dissolved on 15 August 2021 when the Taliban regained control of the country.[2] Following the dissolution, legislative authority was transferred to the Leadership Council.[2] In May 2022, the Taliban excluded the National Assembly and several other former government agencies from the first national budget due to a financial crisis.[2][6]
Library of the National Assembly
The Library of the National Assembly is a specialized institution dedicated to the needs of the legislature.[7] It was officially inaugurated on April 10, 2006.[7] The library functions as a national center for documents, information, and compilation.[7]
Sources
- شورای ملی افغانستان - ویکیپدیا، دانشنامهٔ آزاد
- National Assembly (Afghanistan) - Wikipedia
- د افغانستان ملي شورا - ويکيپېډيا
- د افغانستان ملي شورا؛ مخينه او راتلونکې ننګونې
- نخسین مجلس شورای ملی افغانستان چگونه تشکیل شد؟ - BBC
- Afghanistan - Constitutional history of - ConstitutionNet
- History of the National Assembly of Afghanistan