Iraqi activists worry about election security
Some parties that grew out of the October protests have withdrawn candidates from the upcoming parliamentary elections over security concerns.
Activists and youth groups that joined the political sphere in Iraq over the past few months have spoken of the risk of assassination they face because of their decision to run in the parliamentary elections scheduled for October 10 of this year.
The threats and assassinations have prompted them to back out of the elections. This, in turn, has pressured Iraq’s political leadership to acknowledge the presence of armed danger.
On May 20, Iraqi President Barham Salih stressed the need for a safe environment for early parliamentary elections and called for holding the killers of activists and journalists accountable.
Salih's remarks came after nearly 22 parties and grassroots movements withdrew and planned to boycott the elections, Al-Monitor learned. The parties and movements have yet to officially notify the electoral commission of their withdrawal.
