Question: Currently, the US is forming an electoral system to decide the future of Iraq’s provisional government. They want to elect representatives from various provinces across Iraq through caucuses. The Shia political movement shows discontent, instead calling for direct elections to form the provisional government and legislative authority in Iraq. What is the WPI’s position on this issue? Al Sistani’s representatives claim that the desired outcome of direct elections would be a political regime, and that they want a constitution that guarantees “justice and equality.” Through such slogans, Islamists are trying to attract people to their side. What is your message to the Iraqi masses vis-à-vis the outlook of the Shiite Islamists?
Rebwar Ahmad: The question of elections in Iraq is a sensitive issue, which is being posed differently by various groups in Iraqi society. According to a proposal put forward by the US, a general election held by the end of 2005 will determine the future government of Iraq. Islamist parties view the current miserable conditions as a unique opportunity to promote their political movement through immediate and direct elections.
Despite the Islamist’s insistence upon holding direct elections as soon as possible, their political deceptions are clear to the Iraqi people. These mullahs and Islamists who oppose freedom of speech and conscience and believe in heavenly mandates are presenting themselves as champions of democracy and electoral rights.
The rationale of the Islamist movement is based on a belief that they will be able to impose their alternative on the Iraqi people within the framework of the current dark scenario. They are rushing to push their agenda because they know that the Iraqi masses during 35 years of the Baath’s rule did not have any opportunity to think about their own whishes, aspirations and about different political forces. Also, the socialist, progressive and secular forces had no opportunity to address the masses and take their programs and alternatives to them. Islamists also take into account the US’s problems and unsuccessful operations in Iraq. Based on these premises, they consider this dreadful situation an opportunity to establish political authority and impose a constitution designed to keep the masses deprived. They aim to establish a theocracy amid these tragic circumstances, where barbaric laws will precede the rights of workers, youth, women and freedom-loving people to speak and think freely. Islamists hope to exploit the deprived status of the people and ensure a victory through violence and votes amongst Iraqis primarily in the southern region of Iraq and to some extent the central parts of Iraq where they exert influence.
An election is a good method and undeniable right of the masses. However, without a completely open, free and stable environment where all political forces can equally participate without fear of repression and where people can choose freely, elections are bogus. Without a social framework where free speech and unconditional civil and political rights are protected and where an independent body can ensure a genuine election, elections will be rigged and votes will be coerced through the most barbaric violence. Amidst the recent rise of ethnic wars, violence against political opponents, religious declarations to kill atheists and non-Muslims, and threats to shut down the operations of mass organizations like the Organization for Women’s Freedom in Iraq under the leading role of Talabani’s militias, who can claim that free political activity and genuine elections are safeguarded?
Thus, I believe the intentions and political objectives of the Islamists and their tumult over the issue of direct elections is clear and unambiguous. In regard to their claims that they seek equality and justice, I do not think there is need to talk about the fallacy and absurdity of these claims. Everyone has their own interpretation of equality, justice and freedom. For Islamists, terrorism, stoning, dismembering limbs, flogging, torture and killing opponents of Islam, are the best forms of justice. Further, subjugating women to the status of salves, converting followers of other religions through genocide, and legalizing the murder of atheists represent equality for Islamists. I believe it is confusing to promote equality and political Islam together. There is no room for equality or freedom or justice in their programs. As I mentioned earlier their only aim is to exploit the current grim and dreadful scenario in Iraq and to promote barbarism.