The new president-elect of Afghanistan Dr. Ashraf Ghani Ahmadzai was sworn-in on Monday, in the country’s first democratic transfer of power.

Dr. Ghani was declared the president-elect by the Independent Election Commission (IEC) on 21st September.

He took oath of the office with the chief justice of Afghanistan. Dr. Ghani’s first and second vice-presidents were also sworn during the inauguration ceremony.

Dr. Abdullah Abdullah and his deputies who are part of the national unity government were sworn-in during the inauguration ceremony by president Dr. Ashraf Ghani.

Speaking at the beginning of the inauguration ceremony, President Hamid Karzai said he is proud to peacefully transfer the power to the newly elected president of Afghanistan.

Karzai said he is confident that the national unity government will prioritize the peace and stability in its governance and called on Afghan people to cooperate with the new government.