Iraq’s Missing Parliament
Iraq’s parliament appears to play a largely superficial role, while political blocs and alliances make the decisions that matter.
The main political leaders in Iraq would rather not involve themselves in a healthy parliamentary life.
Of course, the Iraqi parliament convenes on a regular basis, and votes without problems on procedural and formal laws, such as joining treaties. However, decisions on laws related to political processes are made or delayed by leaders of political parties.
Leaders of blocs still refuse to use electronic voting to know exactly how their deputies voted. There have been disagreements on this issue within the parties themselves. The Iraqiya List dismissed parliament member Alia Nassif, and the Rule of Law coalition dismissed parliament member Jawad al-Bazouni for taking positions that differ from their blocs. In addition, sample votes of deputies are constantly sent to party leaders, and parts of the deputies' salaries go to the parties, a condition for their nominations to the lists.
The number of parliamentary bloc leaders who lead their blocs and decide on their behalf in matters small and large can be counted on one hand. Most of the parliamentarians content themselves with a show of hands when it's time to vote, based on decisions made in advance.
