The Iraqi Parliamentary Elections – 2010

March 14, 2010

By Padmini Arhant

After prolonged war and foreign troops still on the ground, the Iraqi population went to the polls on March 7, 2010.

Despite explosions in and around Baghdad and elsewhere, the election marks a great period for the Iraqi population.

Like most democratic elections, the Iraqi electoral process is faced with the ballot counting errors and fraud allegations.

Nevertheless, it’s a unique opportunity for the Iraqi people to embrace democracy having been persecuted previously,

Followed by an on-going war that has forced the government to deal with the anti-war insurgency within the country,

Instead of remaining focused on the economy.

Even though, the Iraqi election commission has not confirmed victory to the incumbent Prime Minister Nouri-Al-Maliki due to the incomplete election results, the possibility of a majority rule appears to be bleak.

Leaving the current administration with the only alternative – a coalition government per the Iraqi constitution.

Iraq is historically a secular nation. Therefore, it cannot afford to let one group be dominant over others like now.

It’s essential for Sunni representation in the Parliament to curtail domestic terrorism and allow the Iraqi people to experience democracy via peaceful existence.

Likewise, the Kurdish constitutional rights must be acknowledged to reflect real democracy.

The Kurdish impressive victory in Kurdistan and the disputed areas is well deserved, considering the brutality against them in the past.

Similarly, the formidable opposition led by the leader, Ayad Alawi gaining momentum in the five Northern provinces signifies the rainbow coalition as the ideal political option for the long-suffering people of Iraq.

Iraq has been through a horrifying period with millions of innocent lives sacrificed up until now.

It’s in the best interest of the people – the Sunnis, the Shiites, the Kurds, the Assyrians and other minority groups to come together and govern Iraq in a democratic system.

Without a shadow of doubt, such approach would not only promote the desirable political stability but also provide economic prosperity and national security.

The concerns expressed by Sami Shorsh, the head of the Kurdistan alliance List, regarding the Kurdish rights at the national front is legitimate, based on the isolation recently.

At the same time, I concur with the Kurdistan President, Massoud Barzani urging the Kurdish unity on national issues. For it would expedite the regional progress and reduce the economic burden through solidarity.

I reiterate the importance on the Shiite and Secular outreach to the Sunni representatives in the formation of the new government.

It would unequivocally settle the storm that has wreaked havoc in Iraq thus far.

I urge all leaders in the ruling majority and the minority across Iraq to put their differences aside and acknowledge one another as an Iraqi first and rebuild the once sophisticated civilization of Mesopotamia.

At last, the life sacrificed by the Iraqi men, women and children in all these years is being honored with blessings on the living.

Congratulations! to the Kurdistan President Massoud Barzani and the Kurdish population on the recent legislative poll.

On that optimistic note, I wish the people of Iraq,

The dawn of new era with long lasting peace and glory in abundance.

Thank you.

Padmini Arhant

Written by Padmini Arhant · Filed Under Featured, International Politics, Politics 

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