Opposition networks that have sprung up under the government of national unity are seeing a rise in members and political activities. But officials are not willing to be transparent about funds.
Opposition networks that have sprung up under the government of national unity are seeing a rise in members and political activities. But officials are not willing to be transparent about funds.
Neither is the Ministry of Justice, responsible for monitoring and evaluating political parties, ready to share information with Killid. Legally, under Article 14, financial status has to be open and transparent.
Among active opposition fronts are the Council of Protection and Stability, New National Front of Afghanistan, National Stability Institution, and Political Circle of Omar Dawoodzai.
Even the most informal of organisations need money to function. There are offices to be rented, conferences and seminars to be held; and, staff salaries. While everyone maintains staff in their offices are “volunteers”, it could not be confirmed. No one agreed to talk to Killid.
Officials claim their sources of funds are mainly “internal”, with traders chipping in.
Under Article 15, political parties can raise funds through membership fees; accept donations from Afghan nationals up to 2 million Afs (29,200 USD); and, sell moveable or immoveable property. In addition, they can accept government subsidy for elections, and aid from international organisations working to strengthen democracy.
Council of Protection and Stability
Established last December with a central office in Kabul, funders include jihadist leaders and ministers in the previous Karzai government. Spokesperson Masood Trashtwal says the Council, which organises meetings, has more than 250 members. Membership is open to the public, but not free. Funding sources are “not foreign”, he says. But Trashtwal does not give details of income or expenses. He says the Council has applied to register with the Ministry of Justice.
Union of National Stability
Led by Ziaulhaq Amarkhail (who stepped down as secretary of the Independent Election Council in June 2014 amid allegations of fraud.) The Union was set up on May 6 two years ago by 28 “well known people of the country”, say officials. As chief, Amarkhail wants to take their activities coordinated by 10 working committees to all provinces. So far 11 provinces have been covered. With the opening of an office in the western region after Ramadan, the number of “active offices” will go up to five. There is a fee for membership, but staff work without pay, says Amarkhail. The Union is registered with the Ministry of Justice.
New National Front of Afghanistan
Led by Anwarulhaq Ahadi (an erstwhile Ghani supporter during the contentious 2014 presidential poll.) Established in January 2016 as a front of six political parties. Among the many founders are officials from the previous Karzai government.
Sidiq Patman, a founder, told Killid that members meet all expenses; also, traders chip in with donations. “Traders help the Front because they want it to be their shelter in the future – a political alternative. Should the government (of national unity) fall unexpectedly, traders would be ready to assist the Front,” says Patman. But he does not give details of how much was contributed by traders. Membership is open to everyone willing to accept the Front’s preconditions. “Those who join should be committed,” he says. Patman insists it is not mandatory for the Front to register with the Ministry of Justice.
Network of young activists
Encouraged by Omar Dawoodzai, former minister of interior affairs in the Karzai government, the network is a voice of youth “for reforms and changes”. While Dawoodzai did not respond to requests for an interview, Sangar Amirzada, head of the Network says funds are from Dawoodzai and other Afghan sources. Its monthly expenses are 70,000 Afs (1,020 USD); and roughly 100 volunteers are enlisted.
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