Judges to run Iraq’s Independent High Electoral Commission
The Iraqi parliament voted on a new electoral commission that will consist of independent judges.
BAGHDAD — Amid preparations for early elections in Iraq, the parliamentary blocs are trying to meet the demands of the popular protests that began over two months ago. Protesters have demanded a new political system, but Iraqi politicians have not been able to find adequate solutions.
Parliament approved a new law related to the Independent High Electoral Commission (IHEC) Dec. 5, yet popular and official criticism of the law continues. The law states that “IHEC members shall be seven experienced judges who will be chosen by a draw to ensure transparency.”
However, granting the judiciary in the Kurdistan Regional Government (KRG) the right to nominate two judges raised the ire of many protesters and some political parties. They perceived this as an attempt to evade their calls for an end to the sectarian and national quota in the country. Also, the method by which a draw may be conducted is still unresolved. Fears remain that some influential parties might tamper with the IHEC and interfere with the nomination process.
Kurdish parties opposed the draw method before a quota was set for the Kurdish judges. The Kurdistan Democratic Party deputy, Hoshyar Zebari, said, “The best solution was to assign the United Nations Assistance Mission for Iraq the task of fully supervising the elections, due to the major differences over forming the IHEC at a time when protesters reject any decision taken by the Iraqi parliament.”
