After The Ministry Of Women's Affairs, The Taliban Closes Two Unnecessary Ministries And Commissions

Illustration of a meeting of Afghan government officials formed by the Taliban. (Twitter/@Ahmadmuttaqi01)

JAKARTA - Taliban authorities have dissolved Afghanistan's two electoral commissions as well as the state ministry for peace affairs and parliament, an official said Sunday.

Bilal Karimi, deputy spokesman for the Taliban-run Afghan government, said the Independent Election Commission and the Election Complaints Commission had been dissolved.

Karimi further explained, apart from the two commissions, the Taliban also decided to disband, the Ministry of Peace and the Ministry of Parliamentary Affairs. "They are unnecessary institutions for the current situation in Afghanistan. If there is a need for a commission in the future, the Taliban Government can revive it," he said, quoted by Euronews, December 27.

The two electoral commissions are mandated to conduct and oversee all types of elections in the country, including presidential, parliamentary, and provincial council elections.

Previously, the Taliban had closed the Ministry of Women's Affairs. Meanwhile, the international community is waiting before extending formal recognition to Afghanistan's new ruler.

They worry that the Taliban could impose a regime that is just as harsh as when they came to power 20 years ago – even though they guarantee otherwise.

Meanwhile, the current government cabinet does not have women. In their previous administration in Afghanistan, from 1996 to 2001, the Taliban had banned girls and women from school, work, and public life.