Nouri Al-Maliki opposes election delay, says vote protects political process

BABIL — Former Prime Minister Nouri al-Maliki on Monday called for safeguarding Iraq’s political process, warning against those seeking to undermine it.

Speaking at a tribal gathering in Babil, the State of Law Coalition leader said, “Protecting the political process and sustaining the political effort that leads to state-building is one of the fundamentals of the State of Law approach.”

He urged Iraqis not to be swayed by critics of the current system. “Do not pay attention to the bats of darkness who speak and act to overthrow the political process,” he said.

Excerpts from Nouri Al-Maliki’s speech:

Protecting the political process and sustaining the political effort that leads to state-building is one of the fundamentals of the State of Law approach.

Do not pay attention to the bats of darkness who speak and act to overthrow the political process.

We must move forward with our political process, our constitution, our public, and our people to sustain that process.

We will not allow the return of dictatorship, racism, sectarianism, mass graves, and futile wars.

Our goal is to make Iraq strong, stable, and resilient, unaffected by any crises.

With the fatwa of the religious authority, Iraq triumphed over the terrorist ISIS.

The constitution must be adopted as the basis for dealings among Iraqis and as the foundation for the peaceful transfer of power. This is achieved through ballot boxes.

The era of tanks, conspiracies, and intelligence agencies is over. Change is now made through the sacred ballot box.

Those who assume responsibility must provide services and end the state of poverty and need among citizens.

We renew our rejection of interference by others in Iraq’s internal affairs.

Iraq is a country of components, sects, and religions, but our strength lies in our national unity and the unity of our people.

Elections are a national duty and entitlement, and democracy without an electoral process is meaningless.

The political process will end if the elections end.

We will not allow the elections to be postponed, because if they are postponed, democracy and the political process will end.