Iraqi Elections-Inquiry & Analysis

Iraqi Elections (I): The Imperatives of Elections on Schedule
Iraqi Elections (II): The Launching of the Campaign
Dr. Nimrod Raphaeli/MEMRI
Original Article (I)
Original Article (II)

The proposed elections in Iraq, scheduled for January 30, 2005, are intended to put an end to Saddam's political farce and give the Iraqi people a free and transparent opportunity to select their leaders. The last time a constitutional council was elected by Iraqis was under the monarchy in 1924. Three political parties participated in that election. By contrast, 226 parties and groups have been cleared by the High Commission for Elections to participate in the election of a 275-member interim National Assembly in 2005. The National Assembly will select a new government and draft a new constitution, and then will be dissolved in favor of a new parliament which will be elected following the promulgation of the new constitution.