The Hindu : Iraqi Shias demand early direct elections

Online edition of India's National Newspaper
Tuesday, Jan 20, 2004

International

International

Iraqi Shias demand early direct elections

By Atul Aneja

MANAMA, JAN.19. Thousands of Shias today took out a march in Baghdad in support of a top cleric who has demanded that the U.S. occupation authorities should transfer power to Iraqis through early direct elections. These protests in the centre of Baghdad precede talks in New York between the U.S. administrator in Iraq, Paul Bremer, and the U.N. Secretary-General, Kofi Annan. Mr. Bremer is reportedly seeking the U.N.'s involvement in the implementation of the American transition plan for Iraq. But Grand Ayatollah Ali Sistani, the highest ranking Shia cleric, has opposed the U.S. road map for self-rule that calls for the installation of an unelected transitional government in Baghdad by June, followed by the drafting of a constitution and the general elections by the end of 2005. Instead, Ayatollah Sistani has demanded that general elections should be the first step in the plan to handover power to Iraqis.

The show of Shia power follows another large demonstration in Basra on Friday in support of the Ayatollah's call. The Ayatollah has been reportedly consulting Shia tribal chiefs in preparation for a sustained campaign against the U.S. plan.

Protesters during the march chanted, "Yes, yes to Islam, yes, yes to the Hawza, no no to terrorism." Some held placards declaring "Democracy means elections". The Hawza is a network of seminaries headed by a group of senior clerics who comprise the Marja or the highest religious authority. Many protesters shouted "Sistani, Sistani, we are your soldiers of liberation".

The demonstrators marched peacefully and headed towards the Mustansiriya University. At the rally there, Hashem al-Awad, one of the Ayatollah's representatives, warned that, "The sons of the Iraqi people demand a political system based on direct elections and a constitution that realises justice and equality for everyone. Anything other than that will prompt people to have their own say."

The wave of Shia protests is likely to add to the pressure on the U.N. against participation in the support of the American blueprint for Iraq. A deadly suicide car bombing on Sunday, which has killed 24 people, also appeared timed to deter the U.N. involvement.

A small group of Japanese troops has entered Iraq . The experience of this advance team is likely to influence Japan's decision to send more troops to Iraq later.

Printer friendly page
Send this article to Friends by E-Mail

International

News Update

Stories in this Section

Iraqi Shias demand early direct elections

N-links: Pak. probe at 'conclusive stage'

A tense wait in Iowa

`Musharraf has failed to check extremists'

Belgian move to ban scarves, crosses

Global meet calls for equitable trade regime

Extension unlikely for 9/11 panel

First cloned baby on the way, claims doctor

SLFP, JVP to sign pact today

Talks will not succeed without us: Pakistan