Wicker Notes Significance of Vote on Iraqi Constitution
WICKER NOTES SIGNIFICANCE OF VOTE ON IRAQI CONSTITUTION
REPORT FROM CONGRESS
By Congressman Roger F. Wicker
October 24, 2005
The approval last week of a new Iraqi constitution was good news, marking another advance toward democracy in Iraq and the prospect of stability in the Middle East.
In sharp contrast to Saddam Hussein's 30-year dictatorial rule, the constitution will give power to elected representatives and create an independent judiciary. The document guarantees religious freedom, a free press, freedom of speech, and expands the rights of women. "Five members of my family were killed by Saddam and his people," one Iraqi voter said. "But now with this constitution, everyone is equal under the law."
Approval of the constitution sets the stage for December elections to choose representatives who will implement the new system and put the country on a path toward stability and peace.
VOTER TURNOUT HIGH
The voter turnout surpassed the first Iraqi election in January, and there were far fewer instances of violence. Election watchers noted that streets were calm and in some places even celebratory. Even the liberal New York Times wrote, "Large numbers of Iraqis of all persuasions turned out, in defiance of terrorist threats, to decide their constitutional future. They have exercised a basic democratic right that would have been inconceivable just a few years ago."
Another positive development was the work of Iraqi forces in maintaining security. In the January election, U. S. and coalition troops did the security planning. Iraqi forces, now better trained and more capable, stepped up to handle those responsibilities for this round of balloting.
SUNNI INVOLVEMENT KEY
A key factor in the success of the October vote was participation of the minority Sunni population. Sunnis generally stayed home during the January election. Shiites and Kurds make up nearly 80 percent of Iraq's population, but the involvement of the Sunnis is essential to national unity. It is also important in striking a blow against the insurgency, which has received support from some Sunni factions. As Secretary of State Rice said, "The Sunnis are now invested in this process...There is no political base any longer for this insurgency." Let's hope she is correct.
The majority of Sunni voted against the constitution, but they cast ballots with the promise that they will have an opportunity to seek changes to the document. Members of the new parliament to be elected in December will have the power to submit constitutional amendments. One Sunni leader said it was important to vote this time around to show support for one Iraq and then make the system work "from the inside" to protect their interests.
STILL LONG ROAD AHEAD
This process in Iraq has parallels with the U.S. experience in the early days of our republic. The Founding Fathers faced a number of hurdles. The original Articles of Confederation proved ineffective, and the Constitution was not ratified until 1788. In addition, the Bill of Rights, the most sacred and valued rights we have as Americans had to be added as amendments to that document.
The Iraqis also have a long way to go. We can expect more violence, political division and spirited debate, but there is no mistaking the historic and hopeful significance of the October 15 vote.
http://www.house.gov/wicker/IraqVote.htm