KABUL- Representatives of major Afghan political parties mulled yesterday establishment of an inter-party consultation mechanism that would serve in the future as a common forum to discuss elections, electoral law and institutionalization of democracy, among other important national issues.

Yesterday’s meeting follows a joint decision by the political parties to come up with a mechanism for mutual cooperation, consultations and joint decisions regarding matters of national concern.

About 17 political parties participated in yesterday’s meeting through their representatives. Prominent among them were the United Front of Afghanistan, National Coalition of Afghanistan, Hizb-e-Islami, Rights and Justice Party and Afghan Millat party.

At the opening of the meeting, the representatives of National Front, Hizb-e-Islami, Rights and Justice Party and National Coalition jointly briefed the media about the objectives of their gathering.

“We need a mechanism for dialogue to reach consensus over national issues and act jointly,” said Faizullah Zaki, secretary of the National Front.

Speaking on the occasion, the leader of the Rights and Justice Party and former Minister of Interior, Hanif Atmar said Afghan political parties want to play an efficient role in all processes and decisions that will shape the future of this country.

“We want to reflect that the Afghans have the capacity to have dialogue and reach consensus on major national issues and defend our national interests,” said Mr Atmar.

He said political parties are striving to promote the culture of democracy and institutionalize democracy in Afghanistan.

The representative of Hizb-e-Islami, Khiyal Mohammad Khan told the media that this was an important move in the political history of Afghanistan and hoped that their discussions would result in producing better suggestions for solution of issues of national interest.

In yesterday’s meeting, the representatives of political parties discussed issues relating to electoral system and reforms in electoral law of Afghanistan. The outcomes of the discussion, said the organizers, will be made public soon.