New twists in Iraqi election ban

BAGHDAD, Feb. 4 (UPI) -- Iraq repealed a ban on hundreds of politicians for March elections, though they are still subject to post-election vetting for ties to outlawed parties.

Iraq's Justice and Accountability Commission provoked outrage when it opted to ban more than 500 political candidates from March parliamentary elections because of suspected ties to the Baath Party of late dictator Saddam Hussein.

An appeals commission reversed the ban for hundreds of candidates, though they would be subject to further scrutiny and possible expulsion from office after the vote, the Christian Science Monitor reports.

The ban sparked outrage from the international community, prompting Washington to schedule meetings with top Iraqi lawmakers in an effort to settle the issue.

Saleh Mutlaq, a controversial but influential Sunni leader who was banned from politics, told the Monitor the ban and post-election vetting could create trouble in Iraq.

"Repercussions could be serious," he said. "If the people find they cannot work for the required change through political means, in their frustration they may turn to any other means at their disposal and create a situation of chaos once again."

Sectarian violence in Iraq reached an all-time high in 2006 and 2007, threatening to push Iraq into civil war. Several reports on the election ban said the decision could influence the security situation in Iraq as U.S. troops begin preparing for their withdrawal.

Campaign season in Iraq starts Sunday, though Iraqi elections officials have already started printing ballots.

Source: United Press International (UPI).
Link: http://www.upi.com/Top_News/Special/2010/02/04/New-twists-in-Iraqi-election-ban/UPI-35741265321846/.