Parliament in Afghanistan has rejected more than half of President Hamid Karzai's nominations for his cabinet.
Seventeen of the 24 nominees were turned down.
The BBC reports they include at least two close allies and a powerful former guerrilla commander, Ismail Khan, who Mr Karzai wanted to again have the post of energy minister.
The justice, commerce, economy, and public health were among other posts left empty. Many nominees were criticised as having been picked for reasons other than their competency.
Defence Minister Abdul Rahim Wardak was re-appointed.
Mr Karzai's main rival in last August's election, Abdullah Abdullah, said the lack of confidence in the president's nominees would add to the problems affecting Afghanistan.