Afghanistan finally has a new president-elect, Ashraf Ghani
After a power-sharing agreement reached Saturday between the leading rivals in Afghanistan's April presidential election, Kabul made it official on Sunday: "The Independent Election Commission of Afghanistan declares Dr. Ashraf Ghani Ahmadzai as the president of Afghanistan," commission chief Ahmad Yousuf Nuristani said. Ghani is expected to be sworn in on Sept. 29, replacing President Hamid Karzai.
A former finance minister, Ghani (on the right below) beat out former foreign minister Abdullah Abudllah (left), but we won't know by how many votes right away. Abdullah insisted that the vote tally not be made public, reportedly because he was far behind in the official tally. Abdullah said the fraud-tainted June run-off election was rigged in Ghani's favor. Nuristani said the vote tallies will be released at some point.
Iframe Code
Subscribe to The Week
Escape your echo chamber. Get the facts behind the news, plus analysis from multiple perspectives.
Sign up for The Week's Free Newsletters
From our morning news briefing to a weekly Good News Newsletter, get the best of The Week delivered directly to your inbox.
From our morning news briefing to a weekly Good News Newsletter, get the best of The Week delivered directly to your inbox.
Under the power-sharing agreement signed Sunday, Ghani, an ethnic Pashtun, will have joint responsibility for some key institutions, notably the military, with a chief executive chosen by Abdullah, who is backed by the Tajiks. Abdullah himself is widely expected to fill the newly created chief executive position, which is expected to be similar to a prime minister role. The power-sharing structure was proposed by U.S. Secretary of State John Kerry, who applauded the newly announced government.
Sign up for Today's Best Articles in your inbox
A free daily email with the biggest news stories of the day – and the best features from TheWeek.com
Peter has worked as a news and culture writer and editor at The Week since the site's launch in 2008. He covers politics, world affairs, religion and cultural currents. His journalism career began as a copy editor at a financial newswire and has included editorial positions at The New York Times Magazine, Facts on File, and Oregon State University.
-
Is a travel credit card worth it? How to decide and pick the right one.
The Explainer Upsides include travel-related benefits and welcome bonuses
By Becca Stanek, The Week US Published
-
How IRAs work and what advantages they offer
The Explainer An IRA is a retirement savings account with tax benefits
By Becca Stanek, The Week US Published
-
Crossword: November 28, 2024
The Week's daily crossword
By The Week Staff Published
-
Nobody seems surprised Wagner's Prigozhin died under suspicious circumstances
Speed Read
By Peter Weber Published
-
Western mountain climbers allegedly left Pakistani porter to die on K2
Speed Read
By Justin Klawans Published
-
'Circular saw blades' divide controversial Rio Grande buoys installed by Texas governor
Speed Read
By Peter Weber Published
-
Los Angeles city workers stage 1-day walkout over labor conditions
Speed Read
By Justin Klawans Published
-
Mega Millions jackpot climbs to an estimated $1.55 billion
Speed Read
By Catherine Garcia Published
-
Bangladesh dealing with worst dengue fever outbreak on record
Speed Read
By Catherine Garcia Published
-
Glacial outburst flooding in Juneau destroys homes
Speed Read
By Catherine Garcia Published
-
Scotland seeking 'monster hunters' to search for fabled Loch Ness creature
Speed Read
By Justin Klawans Published