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On Sunday, January 30, Iraqis will vote in an election that has been threatened by violence, potential boycotts, foreign influence peddling, and a complex electoral system. But what will they be voting on? Officially, Iraqis will cast their ballots for the 275 members of the transitional national assembly that will select its president and two vice presidents, plus draft a new constitution. But when the votes are finally counted in two weeks, critical questions will be left unresolved. Here are five things Iraqis won't be voting on -- but should be:
- The withdrawal of foreign troops. Iraqis should have a chance to vote on a referendum that would determine a departure date for foreign troops. The catch-22 evident in Iraq today -- a government unable to achieve legitimacy with U.S. forces in the country and unable to achieve security without our presence -- can only be resolved by the Iraqis themselves.
- Individual political leaders. Running for office in Iraq is a dangerous occupation; candidates have been threatened and killed. As a result, only a party symbol and a candidate number are listed on ballots, not candidates' names. Voting for stealth candidates undermines the idea of a free and fair election.
- The ownership of oil. Much of Iraqis' optimism about their future is based on the country's projected oil wealth. Establishing a transparent model of ownership that directs the benefits of future oil production to widespread public needs could establish a foundation for renewing public hope. This topic, though, has been untouched by candidates in the run-up to the election.
- Justice. Transitional justice is critical to any fledgling democracy. Consulting Iraqis on issues related to justice, human rights, and social reconstruction -- including Saddam Hussein's future -- is vital to ending the culture of impunity that has existed in Iraq for the last three decades.
- Power sharing. Those who have been excluded, left behind, or have chosen to remain outside of the political process will need to have a place in the future of Iraq. Sunnis and women in particular have been intimidated into staying away from Sunday's elections. Their absence could impede any effort to build a true national constituency.
Free elections are a positive sign for Iraq, but progress depends on true Iraqi ownership. When Iraq's new leaders are able to speak with a clear, representative voice, America will be able to take comfort in the authenticity of such a newfound democratic talent. Unfortunately, that does not seem likely to occur on January 30.
Frederick D. Barton is co-director of the Post-Conflict Reconstruction Project at the Center for Strategic and International Studies.
