Conditions of Political Representation of Minorities in Iraq Post-2003

Abstract

Objectives: The study aims to identify the challenges surrounding the political representation of minorities in Iraq, focusing on legal and legislative issues, the political party environment, and the impact of the security situation on minority rights. It is noted that there are over 43 million people in the country, consisting of 75-80% Shia and Sunni Arabs, and 15-20% Sunni Kurds. The country also includes various other groups, mainly religious and ethnic minorities living predominantly in the north and rarely in the south (5-7%).

Methods: The research employed qualitative methods, conducting personal interviews with political representatives of minorities, civil activists, and minority rights advocates across Iraq.

Results: The study concluded that there is a need to reform the minority quota system by amending election laws so that voting within minority communities is limited to candidates who genuinely represent and are accountable to those communities, enhancing the authenticity of representation. It also emphasized the necessity of expanding political representation for minorities by recognizing the political rights of all unrepresented minorities. Furthermore, increasing minority quotas within ministries by allocating specific quotas would enable minorities to play more significant roles in decision-making processes.

Conclusions: Effective political participation of minorities in Iraq remains a critical challenge. Therefore, the study concluded that continuous reforms in laws and policies are essential to enhance their roles in decision-making and to ensure the protection of their rights without bias or discrimination.