Iraq political parties stress need for security ahead of elections

[maddezmom]

SULEIMANIYAH, Iraq (AFP) - Iraqi political parties gathered in the north of the country stressed the need to create a healthy political and security climate ahead of elections set for January 2005.


"The gathered parties insist on the need to hold elections in order to legitimise Iraqi institutions, build a democratic state and establish the rule of law," 18 parties said in a joint statement issued at the close of the two-day meeting.


A wave of insurgent violence continues to sweep Iraq (news - web sites) ahead of the polls, with many cities under curfew and a state of emergency declared in much of the country.


"It is imperative to create a healthy political and security climate allowing free elections with the participation of all Iraqis, far from the pressure of terrorism," the statement said following the meeting, held near Suleimaniyah in northern Iraq.

more: http://story.news.yahoo.com/news?tmpl=story&u=/afp/20041119/wl_mideast_afp/iraq_vote_meet&cid=1514&ncid=1480

[maddezmom]

1. LAT: 46 Groups Will Boycott Iraq Vote

The decision may set back government efforts to ensure participation by Sunni Muslims.




By Alissa J. Rubin, Times Staff Writer


BAGHDAD — Dozens of political organizations, many with largely Sunni Muslim members, announced Thursday that they would boycott elections planned for January as the government's leading political parties met in northern Iraq to discuss forming an alliance before the vote.

The groups' decision, announced by the influential Muslim Scholars Assn., was not a surprise, and its ultimate impact is difficult to gauge because many of the other organizations command little support. But it casts doubts over efforts by the U.S.-backed interim Iraqi government to ensure participation by Sunni Muslims in the elections. Without substantial Sunni involvement, any elected government would be fragile.

The boycott plan came on the same day leading members of the government talked about running on the same ticket, which would improve their chances of winning. They already have name recognition and political organizations that can help sell their message.

Thursday was the deadline for political parties to register with the Iraqi Electoral Commission, but there will be a two-day grace period for late filings in Baghdad. So far, the electoral commission has certified 80 political entities and 50 more have submitted applications and are awaiting approval, said Hussein Hindawi, the chairman.

more: http://www.latimes.com/news/printedition/asection/la-fg-iraq19nov19,1,5664014.story