A Parliament Divided

After three decades of war, Afghanistan has opened the first session of its new parliament. It's the final stage in a transition to democracy which began when the Taliban were overthrown four years ago. But security remains tight.

Last week a suicide bomber detonated a car close to the parliament building and shortly before parliament opened, Taliban guerillas killed three police officers in the east of the country.

Afghanistan is a multiethnic country with more than thirty tribes, and most Afghans feel more committed to their tribes than they do to the political or religious groups they belong to. The political developments of the last few years have strengthened the position of the minority tribes. They are now demanding appropriate political participation and the promotion of their culture.

The membership of the new 249-member Afghan parliament reflects the ethnic make-up of the country. Around 44% are Pashtuns, 27% Tajiks, 10% Hasaras and 8% Uzbeks. The rest, just over 10%, represent smaller groups like Turkmens, Sadat and so on.

Success for conservatives and traditionalists

Looked at politically, a different picture emerges. Around half the MPs are conservatives and traditionalists. They have won substantial ground from the Jihadis who dominated during the years of war since the Soviet invasion in 1979. They don't want a theocracy, they're politically moderate, and uphold a kind of folk Islam, a mixture of Muslim and pre-Muslim ideas and tribal traditions.

This group of MPs is bound up in a social system based on relationships of protection. They see themselves as the upholders of the interests of those whom they protect.

For other religious groups — both the Islamists and the supporters of moderate Islam — the election three months ago was a disappointment. They expected 50%, they won 30. All the same and in spite of the democratic constitution, they continue to fight for a Muslim theocracy.

The final group, about 20%, is made up of the various secular elements. They cover a wide political spectrum, from liberal democrats to the far left.

Lack of parliamentary experience

The conflict between the secular and the theocratic forces will make constructive parliamentary work difficult, especially since the MPs have no parliamentary experience.

The MPs themselves know it won't be easy. But, like Bashr Dost, an MP from Kabul province, they're optimistic. He says it's true that they don't have any experience, but he's convinced that they can overcome the problems if they think of the national interest.

But there are enough points of conflict. For example, over the post of parliamentary president. There are fifteen candidates, including three women.

President Karsai will have to deal with a very divided parliament. He'll have to make many concessions to win majorities for his policies. He has to get his cabinet approved by parliament, and that will mean not only presenting convincing candidates, but also ensuring proper representation of the various tribes.

The new parliament will be a barometer of how far Afghanistan is ready to use political methods to solve conflicts.

Said Musa Samimy

Adapted by Michael Lawton

© DEUTSCHE WELLE/DW-WORLD.DE 2005

Said Musa Samimy is head of Deutsche Welle Radio's Afghan language service.

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