Peace and Democracy: Iraq 2009

By: Jaya Spier

Expectations for the results of the 2009 Iraqi provincial elections are at an all time high. In 2005 there was much violence and doubt concerning the democratic affair. Most Sunni Arabs and a portion of the Shia poor did not accept the previous candidates and refused to vote. However, this year the elections have come at a time of great change. 142,000 American troops are pulling out of the country and all parties involved seem to have followed the rules. “The new councils will exercise greatly enhanced powers such as the right to appoint and dismiss governors as well as preparing their own budget.” (Independent) There is no doubt that the Iraqi people are beginning to take charge of their future, the United States is no longer holding all the strings.

There were multiple parties participating in the elections for both Sunni and Shia populations. The religious groups experienced a backlash from the results of the last election and other more stable parties dealing with a more political agenda have taken up the Iraqi causes. Rather than the chaos that occurred in 2005, these elections have ended fairly peacefully. The amount of violence that took place before these elections was significantly less than during the ’05 elections. Candidates risked assassination and some did not live through it but over all there was much determination in the 14,400 candidates vying for just 440 seats. The Secretary General of the United Nations, Ban Ki-Moon has congratulated Iraq on their successful elections. “The United Nations played a key role in organizing the elections - seen as a test of stability before a general election, due later this year.” (BBC) Reports show that people were happy voting this year, some for the very first time. After pulling this off with such a low rate of violence and a greater turn out on the Sunni side, it appears that democracy is really ready to take a chance.

As the United States enters a new age, it is pulling a lot of its influence out of Iraq to let the country deal with its own politics and woes. Troops are leaving and the Iraqi people are happy to see them go. Iraq is getting ready to stand on its own. Peace may have a chance in Iraq and this is the first step. If the United States and the international community are ready to cooperate then Iraq can finally move forward with peace and democracy.