Election marks Iraq transition
- Source: Global Times
- [02:21 March 08 2010]
- Comments
By Liu Dong in Beijing and Cheng Yi in Baghdad
Iraq's parliamentary election took place Sunday amid sectarian wrestling and devastating blasts, heralding a pivotal point as the results will impact the US withdrawal strategy.
The polling marks Iraq's second nationwide vote for a four-year-term parliament since the US-led war ousted Saddam Hussein in 2003, subse-quently enabling the Shiite-dominated government to assume the reins.
Results are being tallied and will be made public in about a week. The voting is crucial as the progressively dwindling US forces may stoke the entrenched partisan strife and thereby complicate the US exit plan.
Attacks were launched hours after the voting started at 7 am local time (noon in Beijing). Three mortars detonated near polling centers in Baiji, north of Baghdad, causing three injuries. The International Zone, alternatively dubbed the Green Zone – the location of government buildings – were targeted.
In all, 18.9 million eligible voters across Iraq's 18 provinces headed to the 47,000 polling stations to cast votes for 325 seats in the Council of Representatives.
The contention was fierce, as approximately 6,200 candidates from political factions vie for seats.
"The election is critical, as it will reshape the political configuration of Iraq," noted Li Shaoxian, an expert on Iraq at the China Institutes of Contemporary International Relations.
"Virtually no single party can navigate the complicated warfare. The State of Law Coalition, led by incumbent Prime Minister Nuri Kamal al-Maliki, constitutes a major political force. The coalition, which lauds seaming discrepancies among multiple sects, has merged 40 sectar-ian and ethnic groups, embracing the Shiite, Sunni and Kurds, and gained many voters," Li said. "Yet, the coalition encounters grim challenges from a bloc of Shiite parties."
Tang Zhichao, a researcher at the China Institutes of Contemporary International Relations, said, "Another consequential force is the United Iraqi Alliance, primarily comprising key figures in the Shiite groupings. Its strength is solidified by a broad support from the grassroots level."
A survey by the National Media Centre in February showed that the State of Law Coalition garnered the highest support rating of 29.9 percent, followed by the Iraqi National Movement with 21.8 percent. And the National Iraqi Alliance has 17.2 percent support.
But regardless of who wins, the US plans to implement the withdrawal plan, The New York Times reported.
According to the arrangements, the current 90,000 stationed troops will be slashed to below 50,000 by September 1. They will be primarily commissioned to advise and train. The "transitional forces" are expected to leave by 2011.
