House of Elders (Afghanistan)

As Meshrano Jirga ( Pashtun مشرانوجرګه ) refers to the upper house of the Afghan bicameral Parliament. Meshrano Jirga means translates as "House of Elders ".

Composition

The Meshrano Jirga consists of a total of 102 MPs. A third of them are elected by the district councils for three years, one-third elected by the provincial councils for four years, and one third are nominated by the President of Afghanistan for 5 years. Half of the nominees by the President candidates must be women under the law, two seats are reserved for disabled candidates and two for the Kuchi ( nomads ).

During the 2005 parliamentary elections, however, no election of the district councils were held. Also for 2010 with the parliamentary elections jointly planned district elections did not take place.

Importance

The Meshrano Jirga plays less of a legislative, rather a consultative role. Nevertheless, it has by its due veto a strong impact on policy decisions.