Ghazni provincial council holds inauguration

GHAZNI PROVINCE, Afghanistan – Members of Task Force White Eagle and Ghazni Provincial Reconstruction Team attended the long-awaited inauguration ceremony of the Ghazni Provincial Council held in Ghazni City, Afghanistan, Feb. 23.

The council officially reopened its doors after thirteen months to seat the newly elected members.

The council represents the only governmental body directly elected by the people, with each member chosen by the districts they represent. It functions as an elective assembly with the objective of creating a structure for partnership between the people, civil institutions, and the Afghan national government at the provincial level. It also counsels and oversees the provincial line directors on related affairs. Each council member is responsible for determining the development objectives of the areas they govern such as economic, social, health, education, environment and reconstruction. They are also responsible for contributing to the improvement of other affairs related to the province.

Previously, the council had refused to meet due to a dispute over the election of the council chairman. After mediation with provincial officials supported by the PRT and a ruling by the provincial director of the Independent Election Commission, the council agreed to accept the election of Faizullah Paia as the new council chairman.

“Peace members, you are responsible to solve the problems of the people,” said Haji Allahyar, deputy governor of Ghazni. “The people trust you. You are the ones who can bring prosperity to your districts. Do not break the people’s hearts. Do as you promised for your districts to help the people. They trust you to make wise decisions.”

Polish Army Brig. Gen. Janusz Bronowicz, Commander, Task Force White Eagle, also addressed the council.  Speaking in Dari, he expressed his thanks for the honor of participating in the inaugurating session.

“It is a very important day for Ghazni province,” said Bronowicz. “The provincial council has a very important job representing the people of the province. I firmly believe that the council will assist the governor’s office in determining the development objectives for the province. The task force will do its best to support your efforts.”

The inauguration was a positive event with council members from both factions who expressed the need to move beyond their small problems and focus on working towards setting and achieving goals for their districts and the province.

“The reopening of the PC marks a significant advancement of our governance efforts in Ghazni,” said Mark Fleming, Department of State representative for the PRT. “It has reversed the negative drift of the past year in which many informal institutions have seen their authority weaken. The closure of the PC last year was another symbol of the dysfunctional government institutions in Ghazni. The reestablishment of the provincial council sends a powerful public message.”