Afghanistan Has New President; Vote Totals Kept Secret

Afghanistan has concluded its first peaceful transfer of power, though the process with elections in April and June was possibly riddled with fraud and long-drawn with months of negotiations and costly recounts overseen by the United Nations. The outcome will lead to a new form of governance for Afghanistan as two finalists share power: Ashraf Ghani Ahmadzai will serve as president, and opponent Abdullah Abdullah, or his nominee, will be chief executive with powers similar to those of a prime minister. The vote tally will be reported at a later date, as a condition of the power-sharing deal, reports Daniel Politi for Slate. The two men will share power in making appointments. Also, the BBC News reports: “The new Afghan government will have a cabinet of ministers, including the CEO and two deputies, chaired by the president who will take strategic decisions. Day-to-day administration will be carried out by a new Council of Ministers, chaired by the CEO, and including all ministers.” – YaleGlobal