KTFA UPDATE, 12 MAY

by Rosy Sat May 12, 2018 2:59 pm

Don961: Iraqi elections: Abadi is clearly advanced

2018/5/12 01:55:12 PM

BAGHDAD (Reuters) - Iraqis went to the polls on Saturday morning toelect the fourth parliament since 2003, the first since a militant group was defeated, but few expect it to produce new faces.

Stabilizing a country plagued by conflict, economic hardship and corruption since the fall of Saddam Hussein's regime could strengthen the influence of countries in the country. Regardless of the geopolitics that have deepened sectarian divisions, Iraq faces a set of challenges after a three-year war against a costly organization that cost the country about $ 100 billion.

Much of Mosul has been turned into rubble, and security is still threatened by sectarian tensions that erupted in 2006.

Winners of the election must face the consequences of US President Donald Trump's decision to withdraw from the nuclear deal, a move that has raised Iraqis' fears that their country would be the scene of the conflict between Washington and Tehran.

Jamal al-Musawi, a 61-year-old butcher, said: "The candidates are looking for filling their pockets and not helping people. I will put an X in the ballot. There is no security, no jobs, no services."

The three top candidates for the premiership, all of them Shiites, are Haidar al-Abadi, his predecessor Nuri al-Maliki and Hadi al-Amiri, secretary-general of the Badr Organization, all of whom need the support of Iran and Washington to win the premiership.

Analysts believe Abadi is clearly ahead of him. The win is close enough to form a cohesive government, because he has continued with the Sunni community but has angered the Kurds after crushing them for independence. Analysts say Abadi has languished in improving the economy and tackling corruption, and he can not rely solely on the votes of his community as the base of Shi'ite voters is unusually divided this year.Instead looks for support groups and other blocks.

Even if Abadi's list wins the largest number of seats in parliament, he must negotiate heavily to form a coalition government that must be formed within 90 days of the election.

On the other hand, Iraqis see they are disappointed with the war and politicians who failed to restore state institutions and provide much needed health and education services.

"There is no trust between the people and the ruling class, all sides are terrible in ruins and I will not vote," said Hussein Fadel, a treasurer at a 42-year-old mall. While others expressed frustration at the technical problems that kept them in the vote, especially in Falluja, which was supporting Saddam Hussein and destroyed by the recent battles.
"I have to vote because it's very important," said 65-year-old Khaled Abdul. Critics of Nuri al-Maliki's policies say it has created an atmosphere that would allow the emergence of a hawkish organization in Sunni areas that showed sympathy for extremist groups in 2014.

by clyde b Sun May 13, 2018 3:10 am

JAMAL THE BUTCHER IS NOT GOING TO VOTE BECAUSE HE CANT CUT UP ANYMORE MEAT FOR MALIKI.

KTFA UPDATE, 12 MAY

KTFA UPDATE, 12 MAY

Re: KTFA UPDATE, 12 MAY