Al-Sudani: ‘Iraq is most deserving country to celebrate democracy’

BAGHDAD — Prime Minister Mohammed Shia Al-Sudani on Tuesday said Iraq represents a “unique model of democratic practice and the peaceful transfer of power in the Middle East,” as he attended a celebration of the International Day of Democracy in Baghdad.

The event, organized by the Iraqi Democracy Observatory, coincided with the 18th anniversary of the United Nations’ designation of Sept. 15 as the International Day of Democracy.

Al-Sudani told attendees that Iraq’s “democratic” system was achieved through sacrifice, following “a long struggle against dictatorship, enduring severe repression and sacrificing hundreds of thousands of victims in mass graves, Halabja, the Anfal campaign, assassinations of religious scholars, leaders, and figures in political, military, cultural, economic, and sports spheres.”

He stressed that democracy in Iraq has taken root over the past two decades through five electoral cycles under a parliamentary framework, but said “much work remains to strengthen democracy’s foundations: enhancing citizenship, rejecting sectarian quotas, and fully institutionalizing state structures.”

Statement from Al-Sudani’s media office:

Prime Minister Mohammed S. Al-Sudani attended today, Tuesday, a celebration organized by the Iraqi Democracy Observatory in Baghdad on the occasion of the International Day of Democracy.

The Prime Minister welcomed the attendees and commended the organizers of this event, which coincides with the 18th anniversary of the United Nations’ designation of September 15 each year as the International Day of Democracy.

The Prime Minister affirmed that Iraq is the most deserving country to celebrate this day, as it represents a unique model of democratic practice and the peaceful transfer of power in the Middle East. This came after the Iraqi people waged a long struggle against dictatorship, enduring severe repression and sacrificing hundreds of thousands of victims in mass graves, Halabja, the Anfal campaign, assassinations of religious scholars, leaders, and figures in political, military, cultural, economic, and sports spheres. Iraq also bore the consequences of the dictatorial regime’s senseless wars, destruction of life’s foundations, and environmental crimes, including the draining of the marshes.

The highlights of the Prime Minister’s speech:

🔷 Our youth must be aware of the oppression and injustices of the dictatorship era, especially amid propaganda that fabricates illusions about life under it.

🔷 Iraq under dictatorship turned into a vast prison, dominated by one-party rule, restrictions on freedoms, and suppression of thought, individuals, and groups.

🔷 Dictatorship was removed by the sacrifices of Iraqis from all backgrounds, with the support of friendly nations.

🔷 Iraq transitioned to a democratic system based on a permanent constitution, within a parliamentary framework, completing five electoral cycles and reinforcing the separation of powers.

🔷 Much work remains to strengthen democracy’s foundations: enhancing citizenship, rejecting sectarian quotas, and fully institutionalizing state structures.

🔷 Over the past 22 years, democracy in Iraq has gained respect and recognition worldwide.

🔷 The completion of Iraq’s political frameworks facilitated the conclusion of the UN Assistance Mission’s mandate and the end of the international coalition against terrorism, shifting toward bilateral relations.

🔷 Our government has supported state authority, ensured the monopoly on arms use, and guaranteed public freedoms without infringing on others’ rights.

🔷 Terrorism sought to derail democracy’s path, but our people stood firm in asserting their democratic course against extremism and violence.

🔷 Democracy requires further protection, collective efforts, and prioritizing society, law, and order.

🔷 Strengthening the state begins with law protecting its existence and preventing misuse of freedoms to undermine it.

🔷 Iraq’s reputation, citizens’ freedoms, and their right to truth are core purposes and goals of democracy.

🔷 Our government program focuses on safeguarding democratic gains through reforms, combating corruption, providing dignified living conditions, reconstruction, development, and holding accountable those who threaten social peace.

🔷 The Supreme Religious Authority affirmed these priorities as the correct path the Iraqi people must pursue.

🔷 We fully supported the Independent High Electoral Commission in preparing for the sixth parliamentary elections in Iraq’s democratic journey.

🔷 We will not tolerate any attempts to disrupt or distort the elections, and we will ensure candidates’ safety and free voting.

🔷 There is no alternative to the constitutional democratic path uniting all Iraqis, and no return to the catastrophic failures of the past.

🔷 Those who falsely claim to support democracy failed when they stood by during the horrific crimes and violations committed against the Palestinian people in Gaza.