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Iraq’s new political parties seek funds from citizens New parties have an uphill battle to compete in Iraq s political system.
Ambulances drive past anti-government protesters during a demonstration in front of the Dhi Qar Municipal council in Iraq s southern city of Nasiriyah on Feb. 27, 2021, following the deadliest day in a week of violence in the city that left four anti-government protesters dead.
April 13, 2021
Political parties emanating from the protests that shook Iraq in October 2019 are dealing with financial crises that have delayed their registration with the Independent High Electoral Commission. Still, they have taken a new path to finance themselves, banking on private contributions from citizens.
UN signs financing agreement with the European Union to support UN electoral assistance to Iraq [EN/AR/KU]
Format
Baghdad, 12 April 2021 - The United Nations in Iraq welcomes the contribution of EUR 5.51 million from the European Union to a UN-led project to support capacity-building within the Independent High Electoral Commission (IHEC). The EU funding will also support deployment of UN electoral advisers as IHEC prepares for the October 2021 national elections.
“High voter turnout will be key in ensuring a parliament and government that are representative of all Iraqis,” said EU Ambassador Martin Huth. “By supporting the organisation of the elections, the EU hopes to build the confidence among the Iraqi people in their elections and help IHEC establish a free, fair and inclusive electoral process that is deserving of their trust.”
Mammadov’s proposal
“This difference in the figures can be explained by the fact that in Turkey, the participation in elections is compulsory. In other words, if voters fail to turn up, they are liable to a fine, albeit a small amount”, said the chairman of the Republican Alternative (REAL), Ilgar Mammadov.
“A government which is not afraid of fair competition will not be alarmed by the people’s turnout for elections, and will not campaign for a boycott. From this point of view, the political elite of Turkey deserves respect. It is true that this rule was introduced in Turkey in order to eradicate separatism, but ultimately this culture turned into one of the factors supporting democracy”, Ilgar Mammadov wrote on his Facebook page.
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