Candidate billboards and placards in Baghdad for the Iraqi parliamentary elections. Almost 25 million Iraqis are on the electoral roll for the October 10 poll to pick 329 MPs. Photo: AFP
Candidate billboards and placards in Baghdad for the Iraqi parliamentary elections. Almost 25 million Iraqis are on the electoral roll for the October 10 poll to pick 329 MPs. Photo: AFP
Candidate billboards and placards in Baghdad for the Iraqi parliamentary elections. Almost 25 million Iraqis are on the electoral roll for the October 10 poll to pick 329 MPs. Photo: AFP
Candidate billboards and placards in Baghdad for the Iraqi parliamentary elections. Almost 25 million Iraqis are on the electoral roll for the October 10 poll to pick 329 MPs. Photo: AFP

MENA

Iraq

Experts say Iraq elections unlikely to change political system

Voter turnout must be high and independent candidates must stick together for meaningful change

Mina Aldroubi
Mina Aldroubi

September 20, 2021

  • English
  • Arabic

Iraq’s elections are unlikely to bring about real change unless turnout is high and new candidates do not compete for the same seats, experts have said.

Millions of Iraqis are set to head to the polls on October 10 to vote for a new parliament, a poll seen as a vital test of whether the government will uphold its promise of reform and democracy.

“Elections will only bring about real change if voter turnout is high and if the youth-led movement coordinates not to compete for the same parliamentary seats,” Michael Knights, a fellow at the Washington Institute for Near East Policy, told The National.

Read More

Iraq Parliament breaks electoral law stalemate in win for protesters

Some of Iraq’s activists, who took part in the nationwide anti-government protests, have launched political parties to contest national elections. Many observers say they have the potential to enter the country’s political sphere and bring about meaningful change.

“If the independents stuck together, they could make a new bloc, but they would have to quickly agree on a leader and be disciplined, which seems unlikely today. But it might be possible in 2025 Iraqi national elections,” Mr Knights said.

“Unfortunately, the protestors are instead talking about boycotting as they missed their window to organise their efforts.”

Almost 25 million Iraqis are on the electoral roll, and voters will choose 329 members of parliament. But calls for a boycott of the ballot box are growing, especially from disillusioned young adults who accuse parties of intimidation, vote buying and cronyism.

Protesters’ demands

Iraqi protesters stand on concrete blast walls during a protest near the government office building in Basra. Reuters
Iraqi protesters stand on concrete blast walls during a protest near the government office building in Basra. Reuters

Early elections were a core demand of the protest movement that erupted from October 2019 to 2020.

The protesters have called for an end to endemic corruption by a political class that is largely seen as having squandered Iraq’s resources through greed and mismanagement over the past few years.

A heavy military crackdown ensued and hundreds of demonstrators were killed.

Last year, the government passed a new electoral law that divides the country into constituencies, giving independent candidates an opportunity to compete for parliamentary seats.

But experts believe that voter apathy and the public’s loss of confidence in the government will mean that major reforms will not be seen.

“I don’t think the upcoming elections will cause much change in parliament, there might be slight rearrangements in terms of the balance of established parties with a few independent candidates making it into parliament,” Lahib Higel, Crisis Group’s senior analyst for Iraq, said.

A banner for a candidate is seen in Iraq's second city of Mosul. Iraq's elections will go ahead as planned on October 10, officials say. AFP
A banner for a candidate is seen in Iraq's second city of Mosul. Iraq's elections will go ahead as planned on October 10, officials say. AFP
A woman holds a flag of the Huquq electoral list during a campaign rally in Baghdad. AFP
A woman holds a flag of the Huquq electoral list during a campaign rally in Baghdad. AFP
A banner for a candidate installed on a rooftop in Mosul. AFP
A banner for a candidate installed on a rooftop in Mosul. AFP
Abu Ali Al Askari, right, spokesman of Iraqi Kataeb Hezbollah, during a campaign rally in Baghdad. AFP
Abu Ali Al Askari, right, spokesman of Iraqi Kataeb Hezbollah, during a campaign rally in Baghdad. AFP
Experts are predicting a muted turnout in the October vote because of distrust in the country’s electoral system. AFP
Experts are predicting a muted turnout in the October vote because of distrust in the country’s electoral system. AFP
Candidates of the Huquq electoral list during a campaign rally in Baghdad. AFP
Candidates of the Huquq electoral list during a campaign rally in Baghdad. AFP
A woman holds a flag of the Huquq electoral list during a campaign rally in Baghdad. AFP
A woman holds a flag of the Huquq electoral list during a campaign rally in Baghdad. AFP
Workers prepare to transport campaign banners in Iraq's southern port city of Basra, ahead of the upcoming parliamentary elections. AFP
Workers prepare to transport campaign banners in Iraq's southern port city of Basra, ahead of the upcoming parliamentary elections. AFP
Workers prepare campaign banners in Iraq's southern port city of Basra ahead of the upcoming parliamentary elections. AFP
Workers prepare campaign banners in Iraq's southern port city of Basra ahead of the upcoming parliamentary elections. AFP
A worker prepares a campaign poster in Iraq's southern port city of Basra on September 12, 2021, ahead of the upcoming parliamentary elections. (Photo by Hussein FALEH / AFP)
A worker prepares a campaign poster in Iraq's southern port city of Basra on September 12, 2021, ahead of the upcoming parliamentary elections. (Photo by Hussein FALEH / AFP)
A worker walks by a campaign banner at a workshop in Iraq's southern port city of Basra on, ahead of the upcoming parliamentary elections. AFP
A worker walks by a campaign banner at a workshop in Iraq's southern port city of Basra on, ahead of the upcoming parliamentary elections. AFP
Workers prepare to transport campaign banners in Iraq's southern port city of Basra, ahead of the upcoming parliamentary elections. AFP
Workers prepare to transport campaign banners in Iraq's southern port city of Basra, ahead of the upcoming parliamentary elections. AFP
Iraqis pass by-election campaign posters for Iraqi candidates at a street in Fallujah city, 60 kilometres west of Baghdad, Iraq. The Special Representative for the United Nations Assistance Mission for Iraq, Jeanine Antoinette Hennis-Plasschaert, announced on 07 September 2021, that a group of 130 international experts and around 600 supporting staff will be monitoring Iraq’s upcoming elections. EPA
Iraqis pass by-election campaign posters for Iraqi candidates at a street in Fallujah city, 60 kilometres west of Baghdad, Iraq. The Special Representative for the United Nations Assistance Mission for Iraq, Jeanine Antoinette Hennis-Plasschaert, announced on 07 September 2021, that a group of 130 international experts and around 600 supporting staff will be monitoring Iraq’s upcoming elections. EPA
The Special Representative for the United Nations Assistance Mission for Iraq, Jeanine Antoinette Hennis-Plasschaert, speaks during a press conference in Baghdad, Iraq. A group of 130 international experts and around 600 supporting staff will be monitoring Iraq’s upcoming elections, Plasschaert said during the press conference. EPA
The Special Representative for the United Nations Assistance Mission for Iraq, Jeanine Antoinette Hennis-Plasschaert, speaks during a press conference in Baghdad, Iraq. A group of 130 international experts and around 600 supporting staff will be monitoring Iraq’s upcoming elections, Plasschaert said during the press conference. EPA

“Beyond that, we won’t see much significant shifts or changing power balances,” she told The National.

Although new faces enter parliament, they may still be connected to established parties, Ms Higel said.

The Iraqi public are disappointed in the political system and the direction in which the country is heading, Sajad Jiyad, a Baghdad resident and fellow with the Century Foundation, said.

“I don’t think the elections are going to change that perception and that elections won’t lead to significant reforms right away,” he said.

Little trust in the system

Mr Jiyad said the elections are highly unlikely to be a game changer and the public will see that.

“I’m predicting less turnout than last time, looking at 30 per cent this time,” he said, meaning elections will not change Iraq’s current path.

The country’s general population has very little trust in the electoral process to be fair and transparent and, therefore, elections this time around will have low voter participation, Ms Higel said.

“Voting in the elections won’t produce a change and, as a result, some of the parties that were established have announced their boycotting of the elections,” she said.

UAE currency: the story behind the money in your pockets
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Funding to date: $116m in two funding rounds  

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Sole survivors
  • Cecelia Crocker was on board Northwest Airlines Flight 255 in 1987 when it crashed in Detroit, killing 154 people, including her parents and brother. The plane had hit a light pole on take off
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RESULTS

Main card

Bantamweight 56.4kg: Mehdi Eljamari (MAR) beat Abrorbek Madiminbekov (UZB), Split points decision

Super heavyweight 94 kg: Adnan Mohammad (IRN) beat Mohammed Ajaraam (MAR), Split points decision

Lightweight 60kg:  Zakaria Eljamari (UAE) beat Faridoon Alik Zai (AFG), RSC round 3

Light heavyweight 81.4kg: Taha Marrouni (MAR) beat Mahmood Amin (EGY), Unanimous points decision

Light welterweight 64.5kg: Siyovush Gulmamadov (TJK) beat Nouredine Samir (UAE), Unanimous points decision

Light heavyweight 81.4kg:  Ilyass Habibali (UAE) beat Haroun Baka (ALG), KO second round

COMPANY%20PROFILE
%3Cp%3E%3Cstrong%3ECompany%20name%3C%2Fstrong%3E%3A%20ASI%20(formerly%20DigestAI)%3C%2Fp%3E%0A%3Cp%3E%3Cstrong%3EStarted%3A%3C%2Fstrong%3E%202017%3C%2Fp%3E%0A%3Cp%3E%3Cstrong%3EFounders%3A%3C%2Fstrong%3E%20Quddus%20Pativada%3C%2Fp%3E%0A%3Cp%3E%3Cstrong%3EBased%3A%3C%2Fstrong%3E%20Dubai%2C%20UAE%3C%2Fp%3E%0A%3Cp%3E%3Cstrong%3EIndustry%3A%3C%2Fstrong%3E%20Artificial%20intelligence%2C%20education%20technology%3C%2Fp%3E%0A%3Cp%3E%3Cstrong%3EFunding%3A%3C%2Fstrong%3E%20%243%20million-plus%3C%2Fp%3E%0A%3Cp%3E%3Cstrong%3EInvestors%3A%3C%2Fstrong%3E%20GSV%20Ventures%2C%20Character%2C%20Mark%20Cuban%3C%2Fp%3E%0A
The specs

Engine: 4.0-litre V8 twin-turbocharged and three electric motors

Power: Combined output 920hp

Torque: 730Nm at 4,000-7,000rpm

Transmission: 8-speed dual-clutch automatic

Fuel consumption: 11.2L/100km

On sale: Now, deliveries expected later in 2025

Price: expected to start at Dh1,432,000

On Women's Day
The specs: Rolls-Royce Cullinan

Price, base: Dh1 million (estimate)

Engine: 6.75-litre twin-turbo V12

Transmission: Eight-speed automatic

Power: 563hp @ 5,000rpm

Torque: 850Nm @ 1,600rpm

Fuel economy, combined: 15L / 100km

Company%20Profile
%3Cp%3E%3Cstrong%3ECompany%20name%3A%3C%2Fstrong%3E%20Hoopla%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3EDate%20started%3A%20%3C%2Fstrong%3EMarch%202023%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3EFounder%3A%3C%2Fstrong%3E%20Jacqueline%20Perrottet%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3EBased%3A%3C%2Fstrong%3E%20Dubai%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3ENumber%20of%20staff%3A%3C%2Fstrong%3E%2010%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3EInvestment%20stage%3A%20%3C%2Fstrong%3EPre-seed%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3EInvestment%20required%3A%3C%2Fstrong%3E%20%24500%2C000%3C%2Fp%3E%0A
THE BIO

Favourite book: ‘Purpose Driven Life’ by Rick Warren

Favourite travel destination: Switzerland

Hobbies: Travelling and following motivational speeches and speakers

Favourite place in UAE: Dubai Museum

MATCH INFO

Uefa Champioons League semi-final:

First leg: Liverpool 5 Roma 2

Second leg: Wednesday, May 2, Stadio Olimpico, Rome

TV: BeIN Sports, 10.45pm (UAE)

RACECARD

6pm: Al Maktoum Challenge Round-1 – Group 1 (PA) $50,000 (Dirt) 1,600m
6.35pm: Festival City Stakes – Conditions (TB) $60,000 (D) 1,200m
7.10pm: Dubai Racing Club Classic – Listed (TB) $100,000 (Turf) 2,410m
7.45pm: Jumeirah Classic Trial – Conditions (TB) $150,000 (T) 1,400m
8.20pm: Al Maktoum Challenge Round-1 – Group 2 (TB) $250,000 (D) 1,600m
8.55pm: Cape Verdi – Group 2 (TB) $180,000 (T) 1,600m
9.30pm: Dubai Dash – Listed (TB) $100,000 (T) 1,000m

The specs

Engine: 2.0-litre four-cylinder turbo

Power: 178hp at 5,500rpm

Torque: 280Nm at 1,350-4,200rpm

Transmission: seven-speed dual-clutch auto

Price: from Dh209,000 

On sale: now

What can you do?

Document everything immediately; including dates, times, locations and witnesses

Seek professional advice from a legal expert

You can report an incident to HR or an immediate supervisor

You can use the Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation’s dedicated hotline

In criminal cases, you can contact the police for additional support

The burning issue

The internal combustion engine is facing a watershed moment – major manufacturer Volvo is to stop producing petroleum-powered vehicles by 2021 and countries in Europe, including the UK, have vowed to ban their sale before 2040. The National takes a look at the story of one of the most successful technologies of the last 100 years and how it has impacted life in the UAE. 

Read part four: an affection for classic cars lives on

Read part three: the age of the electric vehicle begins

Read part two: how climate change drove the race for an alternative 

5 of the most-popular Airbnb locations in Dubai

Bobby Grudziecki, chief operating officer of Frank Porter, identifies the five most popular areas in Dubai for those looking to make the most out of their properties and the rates owners can secure:

• Dubai Marina

The Marina and Jumeirah Beach Residence are popular locations, says Mr Grudziecki, due to their closeness to the beach, restaurants and hotels.

Frank Porter’s average Airbnb rent:
One bedroom: Dh482 to Dh739 
Two bedroom: Dh627 to Dh960 
Three bedroom: Dh721 to Dh1,104

• Downtown

Within walking distance of the Dubai Mall, Burj Khalifa and the famous fountains, this location combines business and leisure.  “Sure it’s for tourists,” says Mr Grudziecki. “Though Downtown [still caters to business people] because it’s close to Dubai International Financial Centre."

Frank Porter’s average Airbnb rent:
One bedroom: Dh497 to Dh772
Two bedroom: Dh646 to Dh1,003
Three bedroom: Dh743 to Dh1,154

• City Walk

The rising star of the Dubai property market, this area is lined with pristine sidewalks, boutiques and cafes and close to the new entertainment venue Coca Cola Arena.  “Downtown and Marina are pretty much the same prices,” Mr Grudziecki says, “but City Walk is higher.”

Frank Porter’s average Airbnb rent:
One bedroom: Dh524 to Dh809 
Two bedroom: Dh682 to Dh1,052 
Three bedroom: Dh784 to Dh1,210 

• Jumeirah Lake Towers

Dubai Marina’s little brother JLT resides on the other side of Sheikh Zayed road but is still close enough to beachside outlets and attractions. The big selling point for Airbnb renters, however, is that “it’s cheaper than Dubai Marina”, Mr Grudziecki says.

Frank Porter’s average Airbnb rent:
One bedroom: Dh422 to Dh629 
Two bedroom: Dh549 to Dh818 
Three bedroom: Dh631 to Dh941

• Palm Jumeirah

Palm Jumeirah's proximity to luxury resorts is attractive, especially for big families, says Mr Grudziecki, as Airbnb renters can secure competitive rates on one of the world’s most famous tourist destinations.

Frank Porter’s average Airbnb rent:
One bedroom: Dh503 to Dh770 
Two bedroom: Dh654 to Dh1,002 
Three bedroom: Dh752 to Dh1,152 

Specs

Engine: 51.5kW electric motor

Range: 400km

Power: 134bhp

Torque: 175Nm

Price: From Dh98,800

Available: Now

'Worse than a prison sentence'

Marie Byrne, a counsellor who volunteers at the UAE government's mental health crisis helpline, said the ordeal the crew had been through would take time to overcome.

“It was worse than a prison sentence, where at least someone can deal with a set amount of time incarcerated," she said.

“They were living in perpetual mystery as to how their futures would pan out, and what that would be.

“Because of coronavirus, the world is very different now to the one they left, that will also have an impact.

“It will not fully register until they are on dry land. Some have not seen their young children grow up while others will have to rebuild relationships.

“It will be a challenge mentally, and to find other work to support their families as they have been out of circulation for so long. Hopefully they will get the care they need when they get home.”

Lowest Test scores

26 - New Zealand v England at Auckland, March 1955

30 - South Africa v England at Port Elizabeth, Feb 1896

30 - South Africa v England at Birmingham, June 1924

35 - South Africa v England at Cape Town, April 1899

36 - South Africa v Australia at Melbourne, Feb. 1932

36 - Australia v England at Birmingham, May 1902

36 - India v Australia at Adelaide, Dec. 2020

38 - Ireland v England at Lord's, July 2019

42 - New Zealand v Australia in Wellington, March 1946

42 - Australia v England in Sydney, Feb. 1888

The specs

Engine: Four electric motors, one at each wheel

Power: 579hp

Torque: 859Nm

Transmission: Single-speed automatic

Price: From Dh825,900

On sale: Now

The%20specs
%3Cp%3E%3Cstrong%3EEngine%3A%3C%2Fstrong%3E%203.0-litre%20six-cylinder%20turbo%20(BMW%20B58)%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3EPower%3A%3C%2Fstrong%3E%20340hp%20at%206%2C500rpm%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3ETorque%3A%3C%2Fstrong%3E%20500Nm%20from%201%2C600-4%2C500rpm%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3ETransmission%3A%3C%2Fstrong%3E%20ZF%208-speed%20auto%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3E0-100kph%3A%3C%2Fstrong%3E%204.2sec%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3ETop%20speed%3A%3C%2Fstrong%3E%20267kph%3C%2Fp%3E%0A%3Cp%3E%3Cstrong%3EOn%20sale%3A%3C%2Fstrong%3E%20Now%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3EPrice%3A%3C%2Fstrong%3E%20From%20Dh462%2C189%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3EWarranty%3A%3C%2Fstrong%3E%2030-month%2F48%2C000k%3C%2Fp%3E%0A
COMPANY%20PROFILE
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The specs

Engine: 1.6-litre 4-cyl turbo

Power: 217hp at 5,750rpm

Torque: 300Nm at 1,900rpm

Transmission: eight-speed auto

Price: from Dh130,000

On sale: now

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Updated: September 20, 2021, 2:01 AM`
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