Loya Jirga (grand assembly) is the only permanent feature in Afghanistan. And is accepted by everyone, irrespective of clan, tribe and region. It is a parallel representative governance system: Jirga means a group of people at the village or area level and the Loya Jirga is the national group of such Jirgas. Traditionally, a Jirga settles local level disputes, while the Loya Jirga resolves all national disputes. It also gives legitimacy to new government and approves the constitution.

The power it wields is amazing. Its decision of remaining neutral during the World War II saw Afghanistan maintain distance from warring groups despite intense pressures. Similarly, during the Soviet occupation, it refused to give legitimacy to the