Afghan constitution unveiled

Afghanistan has unveiled its much-delayed draft constitution, outlining a strongly Islamic basis for the nation's future government and paving the way for elections in 2004, reports CNN.

It names the country as the Islamic Republic of Afghanistan and lays the framework for a presidential style of government elected directly by the people.

The 12 chapter document, seen as a key step on the road to recovery for a country battered by two decades of civil war, will have to be formally approved by a constitutional grand council, or loya jirga, due to convene in Kabul next month.

"I hope this will be acceptable for the people and will direct people toward peace, security and democracy," former King Mohamed Zaher Shah said at a ceremony in Kabul marking the completion of the draft constitution.

Included in the constitution are rules on the formation of political parties, setting the stage for elections scheduled to be held next June, which is likely to contested by interim President Hamid Karzai.

But despite the strong emphasis on Islam as a unifying force, the hardline Islamic law  practiced by the Taliban is not expected to make a comeback under the new constitution, says CNN.

"The draft is based on Islamic principles and recognises that no law can be contrary to the sacred religion of Islam," the commission said in a statement. But it makes no mention of the harsh sharia law practiced by the Taliban.

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