Dr. Ashraf Ghani Ahmadzai will be sworn in as the new President of Afghanistan on Monday morning at an inauguration ceremony in Kabul.
The inauguration marks the end of Afghanistan’s first democratic transition of power in history, which faced its fair share of ups and downs over the course of the over six-month election process.
Monday’s proceedings are expected to begin around 10 a.m. at the Presidential Palace, and will be attended by the country’s top leaders, including now former President Hamid Karzai.
Ghani’s election rival Abdullah Abdullah will also be in attendance at the ceremony. Abdullah is expected to be named Chief Executive by Ghani during the inaugural ceremony, as per the national unity government deal they agreed to over a week ago.
The power-sharing arrangement between the two camps created the Chief Executive post, which will effectively serve a prime ministerial role. Their deal was celebrated for bringing a peaceful end to what became a dangerously contentious process.
This year’s protracted election has left many Afghans disenchanted with the election and its outcome. Broad allegations of fraud and ethnic tensions put a damper on the high spirits seen among voters on both election days, and the uncertainty that surrounded the election had major ripple effects on the national economy and counterinsurgency efforts.
In addition to Afghan officials, there are also expected to be foreign dignitaries at the inauguration, including the Vice President India and President of Pakistan.