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Iran Press: Commentary Underlines Importance of Iraqi Elections

Posted on: Friday, 16 December 2005, 18:00 CST

Text of Editorial by Bizhan Moqaddam under the headline: "The third step in Iraq" by Iranian newspaper Iran website on 15 December

The Iraqi parliamentary elections are going to be held today. The downfall of the dictatorial regime of Saddam Husayn and the holding of elections in an Iraq without Saddam is reminiscent of the dawn of rays of light pointing to the emergence of democracy and popular rule in the Arab states of the region. With the establishment of the parliament of that country, the people of Iraq will take a major stride towards stability and independence.

The presence of differences of tastes and preferences, as well as the fact that different political groups are going to make efforts to win as many seats as possible in the parliament - which has 275 members in total - are all perfectly acceptable and indeed natural processes. In this arena, the important factor is the knowledge and information of the people about the different political and partisan pacts and coalitions, as this is something which can direct the electorates' votes to the advantage of the religious and independence seeking political forces.

Without any doubt, those who had colluded and cooperated with the occupying powers in Iraq and had sought to manage the political affairs of that country on the basis of the wishes and instructions by British and American occupiers clearly do not enjoy the competence to become members of the new Iraqi parliament.

The people of Iraq know very well that the establishment of a strong parliament with freedom seeking representatives can lead to the development and progress of their country.

For instance, by setting a clear timetable, the Iraqi parliament can oblige the Government to bring about the total withdrawal of the occupying forces from all the regions of their country.

In the last two elections in Iraq, that is to say the interim governing council elections and the constitutional referendum, the electorate turnouts at the polling stations were 59 per cent and 63 per cent, respectively. However, the sensitivity and importance of the parliament demands a much higher turnout. What is certain is that a greater participation by the people of Iraq in the parliamentary elections will not be welcomed by the dependent political forces and the occupying powers.

In the opinion of the Islamic Republic of Iran, an independent, secure and stable Iraq, which is ruled by a parliament and Government - which are the fruit and outcome of the people's votes - will certainly foster stability in the region, and can ensure the interests of the oppressed nation of Iraq.

Source: BBC Monitoring Middle East

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