Politicians Fail to Convince Voters Change is Possible

For its part, the commission defended its position and confirmed that it has assigned mobile teams to update people’s records on the ground.

This entire controversy, however, does not change the reality of the situation. The desire to bring about change is not accompanied by practical steps, and this applies to the Iraqi political quarters, but most importantly to the voters who feel frustrated by the prolonged political and economic deficits plaguing their country.

The real risk currently facing the political life in Iraq is wide popular despair as far as change through elections is concerned. If the elections continue to be boycotted and the people continue to abstain from participating in political life, politicians may find themselves isolated from the street.

These political circles, including the government, the opposition and the old and new political forces, have failed to offer tangible evidence for the voters about reform. However, the preoccupation with political conflicts and the use of all kinds of weapons in the mutual attempts to make the other lose — while pushing the country into a deep pit of corruption, suspicion and distrust — kept more voters from contributing to change through the ballot box.