National assembly plays a pivotal role in a democratic system of governance. Like in many countries, parliament is a key pillar of Afghanistan’s governance system too, as it provides scrutiny and oversight of government or the executive power in addition to making laws. Members of the national assembly as public representatives force the government to be accountable to the people. Afghanistan’s current parliament has unfortunately played a very passive role so far. Even to an extent, that it has not held plenary sessions on several occasions due to a lack of agenda. It is so surprising and upsetting that the lawmakers cannot set an agenda at a time when the country is grappling with numerous challenges and problems. So how should people expect such a parliament to represent them?
Although the previous term of the national assembly, particularly of the Wolesi Jirga, was under strong criticism, the work of the new Wolesi Jirga in the first few months rendered Afghan people desirous of the old Wolesi Jirga, because it is so passive as if the legislature does not exist in the country. So far, the lawmakers have only received privileges, but done nothing for people.
Wolesi Jirga is expected to deliver more given the fact that the country is at a crossroads. On the one hand, the government’s legitimate term has expired and on the other hand, the country is preparing to hold the presidential election in the near future. Moreover, the United States and the Taliban are apparently finalizing a peace deal to end the country’s 18-year conflict.
These challenges make things even more difficult for Wolesi Jirga, but its behavior shows that the parliamentarians are after protecting their personal interests than finding solutions to the country’s woes.
The lawmakers should not forget that the national assembly is the house of people. Whoever come forward to represent people should fulfill their responsibilities. The citizens may now be powerless to hold them accountable, but they will not forgive and forget their passive and individual interest-oriented behavior. The public representatives should bear in mind that after five years, they would again need the votes of these people towards which they feel no responsibility now. What would the incumbent lawmakers present to the people and hope to attract support in their re-election bid in the next parliamentary ballot? Thus, Wolesi Jirga should end its passive role as soon as possible, and try to revive faith in the largely discredited house of people.
The parliament’s niggling passivity
