Al-Maliki warns of a “grave danger” from postponing the elections: By voting, we close the doors to dictatorship and sectarianism.
State of Law Coalition leader Nouri al-Maliki warned Sunday evening of a “grave danger” if parliamentary elections are not held on schedule. While asserting that ballot boxes will close the door to dictatorship, racism, sectarianism, and marginalization, he noted that voters’ votes will determine whether the current government remains in power or is replaced.
In a speech at the “Youth and Elections” conference, sponsored by the Minister of Youth and Sports, Ahmed Al-Mubarqa, and monitored by Shafaq News Agency, Al-Maliki said, “The country’s progress requires renewal and development for a strong, prosperous Iraq, and renewal in the world of youth is a foundation that should be embraced by everyone.”
He added, “Elections are one of the mechanisms for renewal and development, and democracy and the political process are meaningless without elections.” He emphasized that “the resistance was strong from us and from other political forces and parties, who insisted on holding the elections on the scheduled date.”
He stressed that “elections are the gateway through which the government and parliament are formed and the process of enacting laws regulating the political and social process begins,” noting that “there is nothing in the constitution called an emergency or caretaker government.”
Al-Maliki warned, “Everyone must realize the grave danger if the elections are not held on the scheduled date. He also emphasized the importance of making good choices in the elections and selecting those who deserve to represent the people.”
He considered that “through elections, we will close the doors to dictatorship, racism, and sectarianism from reaching power and the state’s institutions. The issue of exclusion and marginalization of the various components will end, and everyone will receive their due based on what they have contributed in the field. Likewise, through elections, we will eliminate the evil tide of killing and terrorism.”
Al-Maliki concluded his speech by saying, “The government’s survival or change is achieved through elections and parliament, building a successful political process and a developed state.” He emphasized that “Iraq deserves to be among the most developed and advanced countries, given its potential and historical legacy.”
Shafaq.com