Iraq without government one year after elections
Monday marks one year since Iraqis went to the polls. But as the country's political class vies for power, a functioning government is still yet to be formed. Grateful to those who shared their thoughts and frustrations with me, and I hope this explains the simplified situation a little to those who are less aware of the ongoing political fighting (across the country) which is continuing to undermine what little faith many people had in the country's democratic system... and distract attention from even bigger crises.
Had to cut from the report, but is worth adding that Iraq's Supreme Court, too, has played a key role in the impasse, rejecting the Kurdistan Democratic Party's candidate for President on corruption grounds, which prevented Sadr's initial coalition from voting on a President, and setting a parliamentary quorum of 2/3s attendance to vote for the key positions, which has made boycotting by opponents more effective.
A new coalition within parliament is attempting to form a government, and may well vote on the position of President this month - if the KDP and PUK can decide on a candidate - but it remains to be seen if this will quell the chaos or stir further demonstrations. And what, even, a new government might achieve.
