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The 502 delegates to Afghanistan's loya jirga, or grand assembly, which began last weekend in Kabul, are trying to hammer out a new constitution ahead of elections planned for June.

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Afghan President Hamid Karzai is strongly backing the draft constitution, but is facing some opposition to the sweeping powers the document allows him.

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Security is tight around the venue. Interior Minister Ali Ahmad Jalali says militants are trying to disrupt the assembly with propaganda and violence.

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The first few days of the assembly saw factional arguments and threatened walkouts. Delegates have now split into groups of 50 to discuss the constitution.

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Delegate Malali Joya caused an uproar when she addressed the chair and claimed the nation's mujahideen fighters were criminals who should face trial.

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Still, the proceedings were not always riveting to everyone. The delegates face a long round of discussions before the loya jirga can be wrapped up.

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Delegates take advantage of a break to pray. Ratifying the constitution will mean the Pashtuns, Uzbeks, Hazaras and other ethnic groups tackling their differences.

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Delegates will have to weigh doubts about the constitution with the position of the president. Mr Karzai has said he will not stand in June unless there is a strong presidential system.