Baghdad Iraq- At the third Erbil Forum on Thursday, the Iraqi Communist Party (ICP) highlighted the weakness of the Iraqi state, declaring it unable to uphold its sovereignty or assert itself on the international stage. ICP Secretary Raed Fahmi criticized the ongoing state-building process, pointing to widespread corruption and inefficiency, which has left Iraq “weak, bloated, and unable to deliver essential services.”
Fahmi emphasized the need for a robust Iraqi state, one with legitimate, socially recognized institutions capable of effectively serving the people. He noted that such factors are currently absent, undermining Iraq’s ability to protect its citizens and maintain sovereignty. The ICP leader also expressed concerns over Iraq’s parliamentary elections, citing low voter participation—less than 20%—as a significant issue for both legal and social legitimacy.
Fahmi called for the upcoming October elections to genuinely reflect the will of the people, warning that continued low voter turnout would exacerbate Iraq’s ongoing crises. He reiterated the ICP’s commitment to advocating for a shift towards a citizen-state, focusing on comprehensive political reforms that move beyond ethnic and sectarian divides and prioritize the welfare of all Iraqis.
