Abstract
The study discusses the influence of the electoral system on the political representation of the social compositions of the Iraqi people, and the nature of their political participation in the ongoing political process in Iraq, by means of structuring entities and parties on basis of subsidiary identities, aside from the national identity. The study is divided into two research objectives. The first research objective is examining the nature of the political representation of the social compositions after the American invasion of Iraq in 2003, through exploring the religious and nationalistic diversities of the social compositions of the Iraqi society, in addition to discussing the political blocs and parties in the Iraqi system post 2003. The study realizes that these parties and political blocs depend on the sectarian and doctrinal dimension as well as the nationalistic ideology shedding its shadow on the entire political process. In turn, the political process employs quota systems as an approach towards its formation, which also brings about weak leadership and personnel loaded with personal gain against loyalty and citizenship. The second research objective is discussing the development of the electoral system and its effect on the representation of social compositions within the political process, through tracing three legislative elections taking place after 2003. The study reached several points of results, the most important of which is the influence of the electoral system on the political process and its effect on the nature of political representation of social compositions, since this system produces a majority out of a single composition at the expense of other social compositions in the Iraqi society. As a result, it gave rise to a house of representatives unable to fulfill its legislative and inspective functions, and that operates as a field for settling preset agendas and expressing authoritative judgments.
Highlights
One of the most important decisions in a democracy is the choice of an electoral system
This choice results in a specific electoral system with crucial consequences to the future of the political life, since it is concerned with emergence of legislation authority through which the executive authority as well as the government will be structured
The study has reached many conclusions, the most important of which are: 1. The electoral system has an effect on representing all ethnic and racial components and minorities in parties. It managed to ensure parliament seats in satisfying percentages through adopting the quota representation which simultaneously and effectively contributed to establishing sectarianism and racialism, as it was conducted under circumstances when the Iraqi society was overwhelmed by sectarian congestion and denominational conflict
Summary
One of the most important decisions in a democracy is the choice of an electoral system. The process of choosing or changing electoral systems comes as a result of new variables in the political reality, such as a change in the political system from a single party to multiple parties, or state’s independence. The political struggle arising in existing democratic systems causes a change in the established electoral system for the purpose of filling a gap or fixing a defect. The agents supporting political reformations may place the issue of changing the electoral system in their political agenda as to improve the existing political system. Any transpiring democratic system needs to opt for a particular electoral system that fits the nature of society, in terms of sectarian and nationalistic diversities, and minorities, ensuring the participation of the majority of these compositions in the political decision-making and implementation
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callDisclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
