Activists in Iraq try new tack: Effect change by not voting
Iraqi political parties are trying to mobilize voters as calls for an election boycott gain steam.
BAGHDAD — Multiple social media campaigns are urging a boycott of the May 12 local and parliamentary elections in Iraq, under the Arabic hashtags #IWillNotVote and #Boycotters. So far, the efforts by bloggers and civil society activists are limited to social media and haven't caused much of a stir. No physical protests or meetings have been organized yet, but the campaigns have gone viral among Iraqis on Facebook.
Some other activists and bloggers are encouraging people to vote with the Arabic hashtag that translates to #DoNotStayHome.
Shiite clerics Fadel al-Maliki and Jawad al-Khalsi are also calling for a boycott and are warning Iraqis not to be deceived into believing other clerics or politicians. They disapprove of military groups — specifically, the Iran-backed Popular Mobilization Units (PMU) — becoming involved in politics and believe the elections are being influenced by the United States and Iran as well as Iraqi special interests.
Sunnis had sought to delay the elections so thousands — possibly millions — of people displaced by war could return to their hometowns to be eligible to vote. Their efforts failed, and they are also reportedly seeking a boycott.
