By Ioana Botea
The provincial elections on January 31, 2009 marked a change on the Iraqi political map. In a departure from the violence, intimidation and apathy which characterized the 2005 ballot, the most recent elections were generally peaceful and optimistic. At one of the voting centers, 80-year-old Ibrahim Saleh told CNN that elections were “open to all society components to express their opinion freely” and that “this process is on track to building a functioning democracy.” Iraq’s provincial elections are significant for a number of reasons. First, the improved security situation is a good indicator for the health of Iraq’s political system. This initial round of voting is also suggestive of the relative strength of the political parties ahead of national elections scheduled for the end of the year. The Shi’ite-led alliance of Prime Minister Nouri al-Maliki was determined the winner in 10 out of the 14 provinces, including Baghdad. As Prime Minister, al-Maliki managed to consolidate his position at the forefront of Iraqi politics primarily due to his successful attempts to tackle sectarian violence in southern Iraq and Baghdad.
Nevertheless, an increasing preference for secularists became evident. In 2005, Iraqis embraced their new found religious freedoms and opted for the party that reflected their Shi’ite or Sunni identity. Moreover, due to the fact that most Sunnis chose to boycott the elections to protest against American involvement, the Shi’ites achieved political power thus instigating sectarian conflicts which still persist. Six years after the fall of Saddam Hussein, the people who continue to struggle with extreme poverty, urban decay and rampant violence are starting to consider the alternative of keeping politics and religion separate. Ayad Allawi declared in an interview for CNN that, “I respect religion. But religion needs to be depoliticized.” Moving away from sectarianism would not only reduce violence and improve economic conditions, but it would also contribute to the long-term goal of a stable and unitary Iraq.
The provincial elections on January 31, 2009 marked a change on the Iraqi political map. In a departure from the violence, intimidation and apathy which characterized the 2005 ballot, the most recent elections were generally peaceful and optimistic. At one of the voting centers, 80-year-old Ibrahim Saleh told CNN that elections were “open to all society components to express their opinion freely” and that “this process is on track to building a functioning democracy.” Iraq’s provincial elections are significant for a number of reasons. First, the improved security situation is a good indicator for the health of Iraq’s political system. This initial round of voting is also suggestive of the relative strength of the political parties ahead of national elections scheduled for the end of the year. The Shi’ite-led alliance of Prime Minister Nouri al-Maliki was determined the winner in 10 out of the 14 provinces, including Baghdad. As Prime Minister, al-Maliki managed to consolidate his position at the forefront of Iraqi politics primarily due to his successful attempts to tackle sectarian violence in southern Iraq and Baghdad.
Nevertheless, an increasing preference for secularists became evident. In 2005, Iraqis embraced their new found religious freedoms and opted for the party that reflected their Shi’ite or Sunni identity. Moreover, due to the fact that most Sunnis chose to boycott the elections to protest against American involvement, the Shi’ites achieved political power thus instigating sectarian conflicts which still persist. Six years after the fall of Saddam Hussein, the people who continue to struggle with extreme poverty, urban decay and rampant violence are starting to consider the alternative of keeping politics and religion separate. Ayad Allawi declared in an interview for CNN that, “I respect religion. But religion needs to be depoliticized.” Moving away from sectarianism would not only reduce violence and improve economic conditions, but it would also contribute to the long-term goal of a stable and unitary Iraq.
Michael Here- I really like your analysis of the duel roles of religion and politics in Iraq today, very informative. I also enjoyed your reporting on what the political structure looks like today. I would have loved to hear an analysis of what future political interactions and decisions might look like now based on the new administration. How much power does the Shi’ite-led alliance have now? Will they need other support, or are they capable of total governmental domination? Great job!
ReplyDelete