Iraq Accord Front MP says passage of elections law reflects political confusion

David Lambeth
October 10, 2008
1:19pm
“The Presidency Council of Iraq has unanimously approved the Provincial Council Election Law.” The one exception is the deletion of Article 50 which constitutes the representation of minorities and religious groups. The plan is to present these as a separate bill in itself. Dr Zafir al-Ani, member of the Iraqi Council of Representatives, said, “It is shameful that yesterday the law was approved and today there is a desire to amend it. It seems that the current political and legislative confusion in Iraq has clearly reflected on the Provincial Council Election Law. The Presidency Council has just approved this law unanimously as reported. I would like to stress here that some political forces and figures have objected to this law. Second, to be approved unanimously by the presidency.” Dr. al-Ani personally rejected it. It is my personal opinion that this was a premature passing of the law. The Iraq parliament has assigned a special committee to look into the representation of these people. I think that the unanimous passing of the law is a great step forward in the development of the politics in the nation, but I think that everyone jumped the gun especially if they are considering revising it before it can even be enforced. I think that this is setting the stepping stones and it will be beneficial to the developing legislature in the future. I think that this is just a minor step back and a glitch that can be seen as harmful if taken out of context, but it is just one thing that the developing country will have to work through.

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