U.S. Opposes Delay in Iraqi Parliamentary Elections

The U.S. Embassy in Baghdad criticized the delay in holding parliamentary elections in a statement on Thursday, January 18, expressing support for the elections to be held on the scheduled date. According to Reuters, the statement from the U.S. Embassy said: "Delaying the elections creates a dangerous precedent, undermines the constitution, and will harm long-term development in Iraq." This statement was released on the same day that Iraqi parliament representatives gathered to decide whether to hold the elections on time or delay them. The reason for proposing a delay in the elections has been stated as creating an opportunity for people who have been displaced due to war and unrest in recent years; supporters of the proposal argue that this action allows these people to return to their areas and cast their votes. Reports indicate that most Sunni candidates are calling for the elections to be held in December 2018. Meanwhile, AFP reported on Thursday that the Iraqi Prime Minister has called on his allies in an "online invitation" to join his joint list of candidates for the upcoming elections. The parliamentary elections in Iraq are scheduled to take place on May 12, 2018. This is the first time in Iraq that the Prime Minister has directly asked candidates to independently add their names to the election list. Unlike the usual method in Iraq where candidates always participated under the umbrella of their political party or tribe, in the online method, it is sufficient for each individual to collect 500 signatures from their acquaintances. Iraq is awaiting another parliamentary election while protests against government corruption and economic issues, as well as the inability of officials to meet the needs of the people, occur weekly across the country.