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As Afghanistan's Loya Jirga enters second day, delegates discuss election procedures

As Afghanistan's Loya Jirga enters second day, delegates discuss election procedures

As Afghanistan’s “Loya Jirga,” or tribal council, entered its second day, delegates today voted on the bureau of the tribal council and began to discuss procedures to elect a transitional government, according to a United Nations spokesman.

During discussions of the election procedure this morning, "a number of names were introduced for various positions," spokesman Stephane Dujarric told reporters in New York. Today's agenda included election of a chairman, two vice-chairmen and two secretaries for the Loya Jirga.

Participants, including candidates for the bureau, debated a range of issues, "from political concerns for the future of the country to the logistical arrangements for the Loya Jirga," Mr. Dujarric said.

The Loya Jirga will eventually elect a Transitional Government, which will govern Afghanistan for the next two years.

The election of the head of the State is expected to take place tomorrow. On Tuesday, the former King of Afghanistan, Zahir Shah, nominated the Chairman of the Interim Authority, Hamid Karzai, to lead the Transitional Government.