Undemocratic parties in a “democratic” system: the formation and operation of political parties in post-2003 Iraq

Al-Jaffal, Omar (2021) Undemocratic parties in a “democratic” system: the formation and operation of political parties in post-2003 Iraq. LSE Middle East Centre paper series (56). LSE Middle East Centre, London, UK.

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Abstract

This study focuses on Iraqi political parties and organisations that established and administered, under the auspices of the US administration, the political system following the first Iraqi general elections of 2005. This research presumes that the main pillar of any democratic system must be premised on a people’s freedom to engage in politics, organise themselves within groups or parties, and eventually compete for the power to rule and thus democratically realise their goals – through voting, and a peaceful transfer of power. Some of the parties that run the political system in Iraq have been afflicted with major crises, however. They believe in neither democratic action nor the state, and respect neither constitution nor law. They have channelled the political process to serve their own interests, thus rendering corruption and militarisation as hallmarks of their work. Frail legislation and executive powers further aggravate matters, as they are meant to implement the law and organise and monitor party mechanisms, both internally and statewide. Loopholes in party laws as well as failure to implement them therefore resulted in internal undemocratic practices and grave violations within parties. These have affected the established political system and created a rift between the political establishment and society. In recent years, this anger has translated into protests against the country’s political party system.

Item Type:	Monograph (Working Paper)
Official URL:	http://www.lse.ac.uk/middle-east-centre/publicatio...
Additional Information:	© 2021 The Author
Divisions:	Middle East Centre
Subjects:	J Political Science > JQ Political institutions Asia J Political Science > JZ International relations H Social Sciences > HN Social history and conditions. Social problems. Social reform
Date Deposited:	07 Oct 2021 07:39
Last Modified:	15 Sep 2023 23:54
URI:	http://eprints.lse.ac.uk/id/eprint/112203

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