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CIAO DATE: 05/06
Masque of Democracy: Iraqi Election System Still Disfavors Sunni Arabs, Favors Kurds
Carl Conetta
December 2005
Abstract
In its National Strategy for Victory in Iraq the Bush administration recognizes that the key to defusing the insurgency is drawing the Sunni Arab community into the political process. And it correctly sees that this requires "inclusive institutions that offer power-sharing mechanisms and minority protections." As the strategy notes: such institutions would "demonstrate to disaffected Sunnis that they have influence and the ability to protect their interests in a democratic Iraq." Unfortunately, the administration finds it difficult to apply this precept where it would matter most: in the election process.
The procedures for the December 2005 election of Iraq's Council of Representatives, which will govern for four years, puts Sunni Arab areas at a distinct disadvantage. It virtually guarantees that Sunni Arabs will be under-represented in government. This is no way to "win hearts and minds" or to erode support for the insurgency.
