Ambassador Faily: Iraqi elections show embrace of democracy

“Iraqis want our nation’s leadership and direction to be determined by ballots, not bullets.”

When millions of Iraqis vote in parliamentary elections on April 30, they won’t only be casting ballots for their favorite candidates. They’ll be striking a strong blow against the terrorists who are trying to frighten them away from the polling places in order to keep democracy from taking hold in Iraq.

With 60 percent of the 21.5 million eligible voters expected to turn out, the long lines on Election Day will be powerful proof that Iraqis want our nation’s leadership and direction to be determined by ballots, not bullets.

The parliamentary election – the fourth since the overthrow of Saddam Hussein in 2003 and the first since the withdrawal of American troops late in 2011 – marks a milestone on Iraq’s journey from despotism to democracy. It is further validation that the sacrifices of so many Iraqis and Americans were worth it.

With more than 9,000 candidates from 107 political entities competing for 328 parliamentary seats, voters from every background and viewpoint will have the opportunity to express their preferences for likeminded leaders. However, there is also agreement on building a multi-party, multi-ethnic, multi-confessional democracy that is based on the rule of law.

Despite the terrorist attacks, all necessary steps are being taken to ensure the election is free, fair and transparent. The process is administered by the Independent High Electoral Commission, an independent body of nine commissioners, nominated and approved by parliament.

We are eager to hold transparent elections and as democracy-builders, we welcome international scrutiny. That is why the electoral commission is working with the U.N. Mission in Iraq and welcoming 667 international observers.

Two measures among many to make sure that as many votes as possible can be cast freely and counted accurately:

• With some areas of the violence-ridden Anbar Province still unsafe for voting, the displaced residents will be able to vote in alternative – and secure – locations. Meanwhile, throughout Iraq, electronic voting cards are being used for the first time.

• Having been ruled by one man and one party under Saddam Hussein’s regime, Iraqis understand that no single faction – whether political, ethnic, regional or religious – should control our country.

Instead, our electoral process encourages an inclusive government. Twenty-five percent of the seats are allocated to women – a rarity in our region. Other seats are reserved for Christians and other religious and ethnic minorities. And the Independent High Electoral Commission has barred only 15 candidates from participating in elections nationwide, based on Article 7 of the Constitution which specifically excludes those who “may adopt racism, terrorism, the calling of others infidels, ethnic cleansing …”

After the election is over, the democratic process will continue. Since it is very possible that no single party will win a 167-seat majority in the parliament, the national conversation will continue about how competing parties can come together to form a coalition government.

Inclusiveness isn’t only the best way to build democracy. It’s also the best way to beat terrorism. When every segment of society has a voice, no community feels excluded, and citizens are confident that their grievances can be resolved peacefully, Iraq’s new government will gain legitimacy, denying extremists the political support they need for their violent tactics.

As we hold our national election, Iraq is in the forefront of building democracy and on the frontlines of fighting terrorism. The battle against al-Qaida in Iraq is part of a larger struggle against the violent terrorism that threatens our neighbors in the Middle East and North Africa, as well as people everywhere.

Therefore, the United States and Iraq should strengthen what President Obama has called our “partnership of equals.” Iraq needs equipment, expertise and intelligence coordination but not American boots on the ground. Similarly, we need economic investment, not foreign aid.

Together with political participation, shared prosperity is the best way to defeat violent extremism. The steady development of our oil industry is expected to generate $5 trillion over the next two decades. Iraq intends to use these revenues primarily to rebuild our transportation; improve our education and health care; and restore our electrical, water supply and sanitary systems. All these endeavors, as well as others, offer investment opportunities for American companies.

The parliamentary election will be a giant step on Iraq’s progress toward democratization, development and defeating terrorism. Whoever comes out ahead in the voting, Iraqis and the entire world will be the winners.

ABOUT THE WRITER
Lukman Faily is the ambassador of Iraq to the United States.

To read the full article in Arabic click here.