Grand Assembly

The Grand Assembly, or Loya Jirga, is a traditional Afghan institution that holds significant power in the country's political framework. It is a specially convened national assembly traditionally tasked with amending and interpreting the constitution, declaring war, and making decisions on critical national issues.1

Historically, Afghanistan's governance evolved from absolute monarchy to a constitutional monarchy, then to a republic. The Loya Jirga has played a crucial role in this transition, particularly after the fall of the Taliban. It convened in 2002 to establish a transitional government and again in 2003 to ratify a new constitution. The Loya Jirga is particularly revered by those seeking a more ethnically representative government.12