Baghdad, Iraq – Nouri al-Maliki, leader of the State of Law Coalition, affirmed on Monday that elections are not only a legal obligation but also a humanitarian and moral duty for the people of Iraq. He warned that any attempt to freeze or cancel the elections would risk leading Iraq toward division and fragmentation.
In his speech at the “Loyalty to Blood… Purple Fingers” festival, al-Maliki reflected on the sacrifices made by those martyred for Iraq, stating, “Those who were martyred left us with duties and responsibilities.” He emphasized that the true way to honor these martyrs is by continuing the path they laid out, rather than simply celebrating their memory.
One of the central themes of al-Maliki’s speech was the importance of maintaining a democratic process in Iraq. He emphasized that the country must adhere to a system where power is transferred through elections. Al-Maliki strongly condemned any calls for postponing or canceling the upcoming elections, calling such ideas “baseless.” He reiterated that elections are an essential part of the democratic framework and that Iraqis have the right to control their own future through the ballot box.
He further rejected the notion of an emergency government, explaining that such a government could only be formed if two-thirds of the members of the Iraqi Parliament agree, and even then, it would only be for a temporary period of one month. Al-Maliki made it clear that any calls for an emergency government outside of the constitutional framework would be unacceptable.
The leader of the State of Law Coalition stressed that protecting Iraq’s democratic process is crucial for ensuring the country’s stability and future. He pointed out that the credibility of Iraq’s electoral and political systems is essential for the nation’s peaceful democratic development. Al-Maliki concluded by warning that canceling or delaying the elections would push Iraq toward a dangerous path of division, undermining the nation’s unity and sovereignty.
In his address, al-Maliki strongly reinforced his commitment to preserving Iraq’s constitutional processes and ensuring that the country remains on a course of peace and democracy.
