20.01.2005

Boycott imperialist elections

Statement of Federation of Workers' Councils and Unions in Iraq

The Iraqi authorities, backed by the occupation forces, declared January 30 2005 the date for the holding of elections, insisting that these would be the first real elections in Iraq for over half a century. Holding elections to choose one's political representatives is a basic right. But an election means choosing from among different alternatives. People participating in elections should be well informed about all parties and groups and be able to familiarise themselves with their political programmes and policies. This has not happened in Iraq. Moreover, many territories are under the control of various militias, which prevent their opponents from carrying out any political activity. This means people are unable to find out for themselves the agenda and political programmes of each party. Above all most of the political parties and organisations involved in this election have not presented any agendas or programmes, but only a few slogans and simple promises. The candidates submitted by the various political forces in the coming 'election' are based on dividing the population on the basis of language, religion, sect and ethnicity. It is intended that the sectarian, ethnic and linguistic differences are to be incorporated in the constitution and become part of each human being's identity. In this way, Iraqi society is being pushed toward ever deepening religious and ethnic division. Most important is the fact that this 'election' is to take place in a country where there is presently no constitution or legal system. This means the assembly about to be 'elected' will create a constitution. This 'constitution' will be determined according to the current balance of power and will be framed in the midst of chaos, lack of security, foreign occupation and an absence of civil life. The masses have been marginalised in the whole political process in society. Therefore workers have no political force which directly represents them in this 'election'. The only choices available are those which are attempting to divide workers on the basis of sect and ethnicity. Workers in Iraq should gather around their own objectives and platform and not participate in an 'election' where they have no representative. Workers should ignore forces which pose as defenders of the people, but use the deprivation of the people to achieve their objectives and goals. Let us stand in the forefront of civil resistance to end the occupation in Iraq. Let the will of the Iraqi people be known: to elect their representatives outside of the political equation dictated by the US occupation and pro-occupation forces. The objectives of workers will only be achieved by the progressive movement of workers who stand in the forefront of the protest movement for civil life, freedom and equality.