Comments on: Iraq’s New Independent Electoral Commission: Some Initial Thoughts http://gulfanalysis.wordpress.com/2012/09/17/iraqs-new-independent-electoral-commission-some-preliminary-thoughts/ An Iraq Blog by a Victim of the Human Rights Crimes of the Norwegian Government Wed, 15 May 2013 19:10:59 +0000 hourly 1 http://wordpress.com/ By: Jason http://gulfanalysis.wordpress.com/2012/09/17/iraqs-new-independent-electoral-commission-some-preliminary-thoughts/#comment-15128 Fri, 21 Sep 2012 16:17:39 +0000 http://gulfanalysis.wordpress.com/?p=3478#comment-15128 Very anxious to see successful provincial and local elections. I pray that it will significantly assist with the maturation of Iraqi democracy. At a minimum, it will provide an opportunity to learn about new up-and-coming leadership for future national elections. Hopefully, new leaders that will have more of a track record behind them to help evaluate their potential.

I noticed that in the new Egypt the provincial governors are appointed by the President! I consider that to be a significant shortcoming there.

I still contend that elections are spread too far apart. The people need some outlet to voice their frustrations at least every two years, even if the “midterms” only include the provincial and local level.

Peace.

]]> By: Reidar Visser http://gulfanalysis.wordpress.com/2012/09/17/iraqs-new-independent-electoral-commission-some-preliminary-thoughts/#comment-15036 Mon, 17 Sep 2012 22:50:41 +0000 http://gulfanalysis.wordpress.com/?p=3478#comment-15036 Mohammed, the IHEC ruling by the court http://gulfanalysis.wordpress.com/2011/01/21/the-first-policies-of-the-new-maliki-government-attaching-the-independent-electoral-commission-to-the-executive/ I think relates more to administrative structure. In principle it will not have any direct effect on decisions by the board. But it can probably be used to affect the finances of the board, which in turn could work in a political way, if only indirectly.

PS This reminded me about your DG question re the Allawi resignation from communications which I have finally tried to answer in the other thread.

]]> By: Mohammed http://gulfanalysis.wordpress.com/2012/09/17/iraqs-new-independent-electoral-commission-some-preliminary-thoughts/#comment-15033 Mon, 17 Sep 2012 21:25:04 +0000 http://gulfanalysis.wordpress.com/?p=3478#comment-15033 Reidar:

Can you comment about how the Iraqi supreme court ruling that stipulates that IHEC reports to the cabinet is likely to impact its function? It’s great to have an independent and fair-minded membership for the new IHEC (if indeed they will be ?), but can they be over-ruled? I am struggling to understand the hierarchy of decision making when it comes to regulating elections, etc. Where does the buck stop?

Thanks
M

ps. It certainly is nice to see your more frequent posts of late.

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