The Iraqi government and the United States have announced their rejection to the demand made by several movements to postpone the January 30 elections, reports the London-based daily A-Sharq Al-Awsat.
Seventeen political parties and moderate civil organizations issued this request on November 26, following the deterioration of the security situation, mainly in the Sunni areas where there is military combat against local rebels. One of the most influential Sunni organizations in Iraq – the Muslim Clerics Organization – has called for a boycott of the elections, in protest against the wide American assaults against the rebels in the Sunni areas. Experts say this move was also made from fearing of losing control, and the possibility of a Shi’ite rule over Iraq.
The moderate movements which asked to delay the elections did so because of the security situation, but also because of difficulties found in the elections process.
“Postponing the elections is not on the agenda,” said Head of the Elections Committee ‘Abd Al-Hussein Al-Hindawi on November 27. “As far as we are concerned, the elections will take place as scheduled. A postponement will only occur in the case of a political catastrophe.” President George W. Bush also said on November 27 that he hopes the elections will take place as scheduled.
When the Iraqi government’s rejection was made public, Head of the Independent Democrats Union ‘Adnan Al-Baja Ji – who also called to postpone the elections – said, “this rejection does not mean all those who requested the postponement will boycott the elections.” He added that, “each party will decide on its own whether or not to boycott the elections.” As to his own party, Al-Baja Ji refused to say what their decision will be.
“I hope these historical elections will take place in the whole of Iraq, and I do not believe many groups will boycott them,” said Al-Hindawi.
“Prime Minister Iyad ‘Alawi is not convinced that postponing the elections will necessarily lead to wider participation,” said government spokesman Thair A-Naqib at a press conference.