Al-Maliki: Iraq Managed the Electoral Process Smoothly

Baghdad-INA 

The head of the State of Law Coalition, Nouri al-Maliki, confirmed on Wednesday that Iraq conducted the electoral process smoothly. He called for everyone to go to the polls and ensure the success of the upcoming elections.
 
In a speech followed by the Iraqi News Agency (INA), al-Maliki said, "We are making steady progress toward the constitutional obligation awaiting us this year to hold the elections." He explained that "the values of elections have become entrenched, and it has been proven that a democratic system cannot be democratic if it does not include rounds of elections that play a role in managing the political process."
 
 
He emphasized that "the essence of elections is a right and a duty for every citizen, because the nation is charged with managing its own affairs." He called for "not listening to those who say, 'what does it mean if I am absent from the elections?' or to those who level numerous accusations against the political process."
 
He stated that "not participating in the elections means the continuation of corruption;" noting that "Iraq has conducted the electoral process smoothly so far."
 
He explained that "some scholars have issued a fatwa requiring participation in the electoral process," explaining that "there is no choice but to go to the ballot boxes for the purpose of change and development."
 
Al-Maliki expressed his rejection of "the cases of manipulation and money that corrupt the electoral and political process."