Qanuni, Yunus

Ethnicity: Tajik, Panjshir

Former roles: minister of the interior and then education

Role: speaker of the Lower House, Qanuni is seen as the spokesman for the United Front

A graduate from Kabul University in Islamic studies, Yunus Qanuni joined the United Front's anti-Soviet resistance, swiftly becoming one of Massoud's most trusted advisors.

When Rabbani assumed the presidency in 1992, Qanuni became the interior minister, a role he would regain after the Taliban's fall from power in 2001.

He featured heavily during the 2001 talks in Bonn, which led to the formation of the first post-Taliban government.

His position as minister of the interior meant Panjshiris were in control of three key ministries: defence, interior and foreign affairs.

Criticism of this monopoly forced Qanuni to relinquish his post and take on the role of minister of education instead.

The 2004 elections left him without a seat in the government but, since his defeat, Qanuni has formed the Afghan National Party and played the role of speaker of the Lower House.

He joined the National Front in mid-2007 and is fingered to run in the upcoming presidential elections.