TEHRAN – Iraqi National Wisdom Movement leader Ammar al-Hakim stressed the importance of electoral participation at the bloc’s last election rally, declaring that voting is not just a formal or administrative act, but a national duty and a testimony before God and history. He warned that abstaining from elections would give decision-making power to incompetent people.
Hakim said the upcoming elections are critical because of the immediate threats and challenges facing Iraq and the region. He emphasized the need for parliamentarians who understand these dangers, are ready to confront crises and turn them into real and hopeful opportunities.
He said the election would decide Iraq’s future and lead the country down one of two paths. One is towards continuing political stability, strengthening moderate discourse, dialogue and inclusion, economic reconstruction and prosperity, and in particular the protection of the rights of the majority. Or to chaos, chaos, reckless authoritarianism, and a dangerous decline that threatens Iraq’s future.
Hakim argued that the era of regional and international interference was over and called for a strong and independent Iraqi government. He noted that Iraq has entered a new phase of political action, especially in dealing with sensitive national issues.
Regardless of the election results, Hakim vowed that his movement would make every effort to facilitate the formation of a new government.
He also reiterated his vision for a strong Iraq with strong institutions and a respected military. “We want a country that respects all, submits to no one and fears no one,” he said. He said that Iraqi forces, including the army, police, anti-terrorism forces and Popular Mobilization Forces, were:PMF)the peshmerga is an uncrossable line in terms of sovereignty and rights. “We will not succumb to any pressure that targets young people and men in these state institutions and legal institutions,” Hakim concluded.