In a country where most medical care is provided by the private sector, both mandate health insurance for all.

VOA: standard.2009.12.25

Nearly two million eligible voters can choose a new president with a five-year mandate, as well as mayors and councilors of major towns.

VOA: standard.2009.03.22

"We are ready for Copenhagen. We have agreed on a negotiating mandate, we have a clear endorsement on some of the Commission's proposals, notably on financing.

VOA: standard.2009.10.30

Legislation that the president and his fellow Democrats want to pass by the end of the year would create a government health insurance option to compete with private insurers, require all individuals to have health insurance and mandate employers to provide it.

VOA: standard.2009.07.21

Officials here are not volunteering any ringing endorsements of the way President Karzai is handling his job, but they are rejecting the notion that the United States and European allies will push for creation of a new executive post in the Afghan government - a prime minister or a similar mandate - to dilute Mr.Karzai's powers.

VOA: standard.2009.03.23