President Ashraf Ghani, who addressed the nation on Eid al-Adha, on Sunday, said that prominent Afghan politicians asked him to remain in power for another five years or more, without an election, until the fate of the ongoing peace process is made clear.

He said the politicians made the suggestion in a meeting with the US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo [in Kabul].

Mr. Ghani said the politicians suggested that the National Unity Government should continue its tenure, but he “rejected” the demand.

The presidential election is scheduled for September 28 and, meanwhile, the peace efforts are underway by the Afghan government and its international allies.

In this episode of the program, host Karim Amini discusses the topic with the following guests:

• Sediq Sediqqi, a spokesman for President Ghani
• Asif Ashna, political analyst
• Zia Rafat, lecturer at the Kabul university
• Mawlana Farid, political analyst