The Iraqi Prime Minister, Mohammad al-Sudani, has confirmed that consolidating democracy, political pluralism, and freedom of expression is one of the cabinet’s priorities, nearly 20 years after overthrowing the previous regime.
The Prime Minister recalled that Iraqis made many sacrifices in their demand for freedom after the dictatorship oppressed and repressed them for years.
Sudani was participating via videoconference in the “Summit for Democracy” conference at the invitation of US President Joe Biden.
“Our government has set several priorities right after being approved by the Council of Representatives a few months ago. One of these priorities is consolidating democracy in political and social life,” said Sudani.
He stressed that the constitution consolidates the aspect of pluralism, the basis of democratic action in countries that adopt democracy as a political and social concept.
The government is ready to pave the way for freedom of opinion and expression under the law and provide the necessary environment for holding the local elections this year.
Sudani announced that the cabinet also initiated administrative reforms and decisive initiatives to combat corruption and improve public services that guarantee citizens a decent life.
He pointed out that his government has taken several measures to develop the energy sector and invest in gas associated with oil extraction to limit waste and obtain an essential source for operating power plants and reducing pollution.
Iraq is witnessing political conflicts over the democracies and freedom of opinion and expression, most of which were not included in the laws due to disputes over the constitution and the failure of all attempts to amend it since its approval in 2005.
Iraqis believe that overthrowing Saddam Hossein’s regime is the most outstanding achievement, and most believe that the political class that controlled the country after 2003 adopted national, ethnic, and sectarian quotas.
It led to several failures that generated the uprising in October 2019, which ended with unprecedented repression and resulted in the death of over 600 people and the injury of more than 24,000.
Despite the revival of partisan life in Iraq after the change in 2003 and the participation of all parties in the elections, differences continue over attempts to resolve the constitutional amendments.
The Iraqi constitution is considered one of the rigid laws, making it difficult to amend the articles necessary to modify the democratic process in the country.
Legal expert Ali al-Tamimi noted that amending the Iraqi constitution is a long and complex procedure, although it is stipulated in constitutional Articles (142) and (126).
Tamimi told Asharq Al-Awsat that for the amendment to be appropriately ensured, it requires the formation of a parliamentary committee that proposes amendments approved by the absolute majority of the parliament.
He noted that the amendments must then be submitted for a referendum, which must be approved by half of the voters plus one.
Tamimi explained that the articles, which need to be amended in the Iraqi constitution, relate to the type of the political system, including Article (140) on the disputed areas, and Article (73), which are the president's powers and the structure of parliament.
