KUNA : Thousands of Iraqis protest new draft elections law – Politics – 04/08/2017BAGHDAD, Aug 4 (KUNA) — Responding to a call by influential Iraqi cleric Muqtada Al-Sadr, thousands of Iraqis on Friday took to the streets in mass demonstrations calling for amending a new election law currently being prepared by the parliament.
Protestors gathered at Tahrir square in central Baghdad, holding Iraqi flags amid tightened security measures imposed by authorities, which cut off routes leading to the square.
In a televised speech to demonstrators, Al-Sadr said approving the current election law regarding governorate councils is a death of the Iraqi people’s aspirations towards a political process reform in the country.
He claimed that, if the parliament gives the thumbs up to the law, it would be similar to terrorism as corruption is systematic terrorism against the people.
He urged the United Nations to take part in observing the upcoming elections, if the elections’ commission, accused by some of being part of sectarian quotas, is not changed
Meanwhile, Al-Sadr urged Prime Minister Haider Al-Abadi to fulfill political reforms as soon as possible, and to drive terrorism out of the country.
The new election law is being described as controversial as it favors larger political parties and blocs. (end) ahh.hm
