The first televised electoral debate in Iraq went forward just as Abu Mus’ab al Zarqawi declared holy war on democracy. Six principal Iraqi leaders appeared in the debate, broadcast live throughout Iraq by Alhurra Television.
Jawad al Maliki, representing the Iraqi United Coalition (al I’tilaf al Iraqi al Muwahad) emphasized the necessity of elections: “Those who called for it are larger in numbers. Those who wanted to postpone them feared the terrorists, and those who wanted to cancel them, are the terrorists,” he said. It’s worth noting that al Maliki represents an Islamist Shiia party. He concluded that elections are the beginning of the solution not the end of it.
Hajim Husseini, representing “Iraqiyun,” or the ticket “Iraqis,” said most Sunni Arabs are not boycotting. Instead, they are under terrorist threat. He added that after elections Sunnis will be integrated into the national government..
Dr. Adnan Pashaji, a Sunni leader from the dimucratoyeen al mustaqileen, or the “Gathering of Independent Democrats,” did admit to having political reasons for calling for the postponement of the elections. He hoped he would convince more of his community to participate. .
Dr. Ibrahim Salih of the Tahaluf al kurdistani, or “Kurdistani Alliance,” reminded the viewers that elections are not happening in an ideal situation. “We are facing international terrorism and the former regime forces. The main Iraqi leadership decided to go for elections to move forward, but there will be mechanisms to absorb those who won’t be able to join us, including a referendum next November.”.
Qassim Daoud of the al Qai’ma al Iraqiya or “Iraqi ticket,” said elections are needed to establish a national authority..
Hamid Majid Musa, representing Ittihad al Shaab, or “People’s Union,” strongly supported the holding of elections. Expressing the aspirations of most liberal forces in Iraq, he said elections now are better than no elections.
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