Christian Parties in Iraq Boycott Elections Over Alleged Seat Misappropriation
In Iraq, Christian political parties have abstained from participating in the parliamentary elections, claiming that seats intended for their representation have been unduly claimed by a faction linked to a Shia militia backed by Iran.
Christian representation in Iraq’s parliament is allocated five out of 329 seats, but according to Open Doors, an organization against persecution, a loophole in the electoral system allows non-Christians to influence the selection of these representatives.
This loophole resulted in The Babylon Movement securing four out of the five Christian seats during the 2021 elections. While presenting itself as a Chaldean Catholic political entity, The Babylon Movement is predominantly composed of and supported by Shia Muslims. It also has an armed faction known as The Babylon Brigade, which the Washington Institute for the Near East Policy identifies as receiving support from the Iranian government.
The Chaldean Catholic Church has publicly declared that it does not affiliate with The Babylon Movement.
A Christian legal expert from Iran, speaking anonymously to Open Doors, expressed, “As Christians, we have a big problem. The quota has been snatched from us. In Mosul there is no competition within Christian parties because the candidates belong to the same party – to the Babylon Movement.”
The expert further explained that non-Christian votes overwhelmingly influence the outcome, stating, “Even if 1,000 Christians vote, the party will bring another 3,000 votes from non-Christians and win. So non-Christians decide for Christians when it comes to their representatives. It’s misery for us.”
These representatives, according to the expert, have failed to advocate for Christian interests or the faith itself.
Historically, only individuals from minority groups could vote for their reserved seats. However, a 2009 court decision allows any Iraqi citizen to participate in these elections.
A local Christian, in his 40s, shared with Open Doors that the elections are merely an exercise to project a democratic image internationally. He remarked, “The outcome of the current elections is already known. The elections are only symbolic for the international community to show that it’s a democratic process.”
He added, “Most of the current representatives of Christians don’t represent us and the very few who are left don’t have any authority to make any change. If the elections are corrupted and get the international community’s approval, this will again lead to another four years of theft, commissions and corruption.”
This article was originally written by www.christiantoday.com
