FACTBOX-Key figures in Afghanistan's political scene

(For more on Afghanistan, click on [ID:nAFPAK])

KABUL, Nov 10 (Reuters) - Afghan President Hamid Karzai is expected to name his new government in coming weeks after a fraud-marred election, and may also assign powerful governorships for the country's 34 provinces.

He is under intense pressure from the West to keep technocrats in important positions and get rid of cronies and former guerrilla chiefs, some of whom played an important role in his re-election, or at least limit their influence.

Following are brief biographies of some of the people whose roles may define the future of Afghan politics.

MOHAMMAD QASIM FAHIM - DEFENCE MINISTER, 2001-2004

An ethnic Tajik, Fahim was military leader of the U.S.-backed guerrillas known as the Northern Alliance that toppled the Taliban in 2001. Accused of rights abuses, Fahim was named by Karzai as a vice presidential running mate to the dismay of many. Human Rights Watch called him "one of the most notorious warlords in the country, with the blood of many Afghans on his hands".

ABDULLAH ABDULLAH - FOREIGN MINISTER, 2001-2006

Abdullah was second behind Karzai in the first round of the election, but dropped out of a run-off citing insufficient fraud safeguards. He has ruled out serving in a Karzai government and said he would instead remain in the opposition, which so far has had little impact. Although he is half Pashtun, he is a prominent leader of ethnic Tajiks.

AHMAD WALI KARZAI - HAMID KARZAI'S HALF-BROTHER