“Dysfunctional” is the word reportedly used by Iraqi Prime Minister Nuri al-Maliki to describe his own government. Today, this description can be used to refer not only to his cabinet but to the parliament and judiciary. The result has been an ever more serious deadlock on the question of national reconciliation between Shi’a and Sunnis that prevents the formation of a functional government and parliament, where ministers regularly attend cabinet meetings and deputies appear at parliamentary sessions. After months of trying to reconcile and reform, the only possible solution to this situation is to dissolve parliament and call for early general elections – say in April, 2008.
The purpose of the elections would be to bring in a parliament with a different composition. First, the methods used in the last election must be changed. Instead of considering each province as an electoral district, each province should be divided into electoral districts based on population. Second, it would be preferable to abolish voting by lists and replace this method by voting for individual candidates. Each candidate could run in the name of a political party, a political front or as an independent. These steps would favor local candidates who are well known in their districts and are more likely to be interested in serving their constituents rather than any particular ideological or sectarian objectives.
It is almost two years since the last Iraqi general election, and developments made during that time will have a significant impact on future election results. This includes a noticeable improvement in the current security situation, as well as changes in the political landscape. The diminished influence of al-Qaeda and other radicals over much of the Sunni population will persuade more Sunnis to vote. At the same time, the obvious struggle among Shi’a groups – the Supreme Council, the Sadr Movement, the Da’wa, Fadhila –has alienated many and could encourage a more moderate Shi’a vote.
The changing geopolitical map of Iraq will also affect the next election. This includes the growing influence of Iran, feared and disliked by many Iraqis of both sects, and also includes the rising power of Shi’a and Sunni tribes. The tribes are relatively conservative but do not tend to lean toward religious militants. They have a more Iraqi and Arab feeling and will instead vote for their own candidates if they are given a chance to do so.
A major public relations campaign should accompany these early general elections to ensure the necessary changes are made to the government. These elections are pivotal to national reconciliation and the end of dysfunctional government.
Disclaimer: Assertions and opinions in this Commentary are solely those of the above-mentioned author(s) and do not reflect necessarily the views of the Middle East Institute, which expressly does not take positions on Middle East policy.
"...to promote knowledge of the Middle East in America and strengthen understanding of the United States by the people and governments of the region."
-- MEI Mission Statement
Related Resources
Countries
Regional Issues
“Dysfunctional” is the word reportedly used by Iraqi Prime Minister Nuri al-Maliki to describe his own government. Today, this description can be used to refer not only to his cabinet but to the parliament and judiciary. The result has been an ever more serious deadlock on the question of national reconciliation between Shi’a and Sunnis that prevents the formation of a functional government and parliament, where ministers regularly attend cabinet meetings and deputies appear at parliamentary sessions. After months of trying to reconcile and reform, the only possible solution to this situation is to dissolve parliament and call for early general elections – say in April, 2008.
The purpose of the elections would be to bring in a parliament with a different composition. First, the methods used in the last election must be changed. Instead of considering each province as an electoral district, each province should be divided into electoral districts based on population. Second, it would be preferable to abolish voting by lists and replace this method by voting for individual candidates. Each candidate could run in the name of a political party, a political front or as an independent. These steps would favor local candidates who are well known in their districts and are more likely to be interested in serving their constituents rather than any particular ideological or sectarian objectives.
It is almost two years since the last Iraqi general election, and developments made during that time will have a significant impact on future election results. This includes a noticeable improvement in the current security situation, as well as changes in the political landscape. The diminished influence of al-Qaeda and other radicals over much of the Sunni population will persuade more Sunnis to vote. At the same time, the obvious struggle among Shi’a groups – the Supreme Council, the Sadr Movement, the Da’wa, Fadhila –has alienated many and could encourage a more moderate Shi’a vote.
The changing geopolitical map of Iraq will also affect the next election. This includes the growing influence of Iran, feared and disliked by many Iraqis of both sects, and also includes the rising power of Shi’a and Sunni tribes. The tribes are relatively conservative but do not tend to lean toward religious militants. They have a more Iraqi and Arab feeling and will instead vote for their own candidates if they are given a chance to do so.
A major public relations campaign should accompany these early general elections to ensure the necessary changes are made to the government. These elections are pivotal to national reconciliation and the end of dysfunctional government.