ROME WASN'T built in a day. Nor, we can now say, was the new Iraqi government. But having successfully drafted a referendum and having conducted a second national election, the Iraqi people are moving closer and closer to an independent democracy. The recent election, although it brings with it minor controversies, demonstrates Iraq's potential for effective self-rule and gives hope for the country's decreasing reliance upon U.S. direction.
Before the election itself, Iraq made a major stride towards national unity and independence by creating a draft of a constitutional referendum that garnered support from the majority of subgroups of the Iraqi people. One of the major problems with building a national government from scratch in a country such as Iraq is that different political groups (whose ideology is rooted in their differing religious beliefs) such as the Sunnis, the Shi'ites and the Kurds are difficult to reconcile. Historically, these groups have disagreed about political and social changes and have failed to compromise many times in the past. Creating a constitutional referendum that satisfied all these groups was, in and of itself, a major feat. If the referendum is successfully passed, the Iraqi provisional government will have proven itself capable of compromise, albeit with outside help.
The United States' role in legislating this referendum has been decidedly heavy-handed, but perhaps a more objective outside source would be necessary in any case to create a compromise between groups historically at odds such as those in Iraq. At any rate, the ability to compromise and to consider the rights and needs of all groups of individuals within a country is a sign of a stronger, more competent government -- a government that might soon be able to stand on its own.According to CNN.com, the January elections saw approximately 60 percent of registered voters turning out at the polls; in the recent election, 63 percent of voters participated, and among those, a much larger group of Sunnis turned out to vote. Increasing support for the election system has boosted Iraqi confidence, and whether or not the referendum is passed, the sheer number of votes is an incredibly encouraging sign for the new government. An effective political system arises when the people feel secure enough to vote and to voice their opinions; 63 percent of Iraqis felt secure enough to make that choice in this election.
Another positive aspect of this past election (and a sign of improvement in terms of politics) was the decrease in the amount of violence surrounding the elections. In the nation's first set of elections this past January, more than two dozen people were killed in insurgent attacks surrounding the elections. This past week, heightened security measures -- although they were largely U.S. enforced -- seem to have helped boost Iraqi confidence. More Iraqis turned out at the polls despite threats from insurgents, but those threats did not materialize to the same degree that they did in January.
Some might highlight the recent controversies concerning the high number of "yes" votes in support of the referendum in certain regions of Iraq which were expected to have had more "nays". But the fact remains that the Iraqi people recognize this problem as well and are investigating the matter to ensure the legitimacy of the election results. The Iraqi people are just as anxious as the rest of the world to make sure that their government has the approval of the majority of the citizens, and this approval can only be gained through a fair election.
All problems considered, Iraq has made remarkable progress since last January. Shi'ites, Sunnis and Kurds have created a compromise the likes of which Iraqis have not seen in years. 63 percent of Iraqis expressed confidence in their electoral system by voting -- a larger percentage than those who turned out to vote in the 2004 U.S. presidential election. Despite continued national violence, regional violence was contained long enough for national elections to successfully occur. Votes are up, the violence surrounding the national elections is down and freedom is becoming less and less of a dream for the Iraqi people.
When the results of the referendum vote are announced at the end of this week or the beginning of next, Iraq will either have gained a more solid foundation off of which to build its government, or it will be forced to restructure yet again. In either case, the United States ought continue the same role it has played until this point and provide guidance when needed. Yet once Iraq has a permanent constitution, permanent elected officials and solid internal security forces, we should bow out and let the new democracy be entirely from its people.
Elizabeth Mills is a Cavalier Daily Viewpoint writer.
Read More
PATEL: Personal development courses support students beyond the gradebook
By Heer Patel | 4 days agoThe University must rethink its approach to education beyond traditional major-specific requirements and mandate personal development courses.
EDITORIAL: Commercialization threatens U.Va.’s educational mission
By Editorial Board | 5 days agoAfter all, measuring the University’s worth in terms of accrued capital, operational efficiency and numerical rankings molds this space into just another cookie-cutter institution.
YOUNIS: Why every U.Va. student should say yes to English
By Ayat Younis | January 9, 2025Every student at the University, regardless of their primary field of study, can professionally and academically benefit from engaging with the English department.
