(Transcript from SBS World News Radio)
A new government of national unity is being formed in Afghanistan, after rival presidential candidates signed a power sharing deal.
It ends a prolonged stand-off over the disputed election result, with former finance minister Ashraf Ghani named as the country's new president.
Zara Zaher reports.
(Click on the audio tab above to hear the full report)
After each claiming victory, presidential candidates Ashraf Ghani and Abdullah Abdullah have now agreed to set up a unity government.
It brings to an end months of political deadlock.
Outgoing President Hamid Karzai has welcomed the move.
"May God bless you all with success and prosperity so you can be in the service of the Afghan people day and night and complete the jobs we couldn't fulfil so that we can continue with a happy and steady life in our country."
Under the unity deal, Mr Ghani will become president while Mr Abdullah takes on a role similar to prime minister.
Ashraf Ghani's supporters celebrated on the streets of Kabul.
"We are so delighted that Ashraf Ghani has been announced the winner of the election. It is a great pleasure for all Afghans around the country." / "All the people were worried about the outcome of the elections and they were worried about having a candidate and a leader to take responsibility. I am very happy that the two candidates have reached an agreement."
There are now hopes for peace and prosperity, as Afghanistan enters a new era.
But there are also mixed feelings about whether this is the best outcome for the country.
Some Afghans, like this young man, say the unity government isn't the answer they were looking for.
"We are disappointed, it was not our votes that decided this. They could have made a deal six months ago."
Nader Nadery from Afghanistan's Free and Fair Election Forum says there are still concerns over the country's future.
"Today is a mix of good and bad news. The good news is that there's an end to a long-term political crisis. But the bad news is [it's] a huge setback to democracy in Afghanistan."
The deal paves the way for a crucial bilateral security agreement governing the presence of US troops in Afghanistan beyond this year.
United States Secretary of State John Kerry has congratulated both Mr Ghani and Mr Abdullah for reaching an agreement over the country's disputed election.
"They have joined together in a unity government that offers a huge opportunity for progress in Afghanistan and the signing of the BSA in a week or so and the inauguration next week of the new president and importantly for a real program of unity and reform to be implemented on behalf of the people of Afghanistan."
But the new administration faces huge challenges, including fighting a Taliban-led insurgency still active in the country.
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