Bush proposes adjusting Iraqi elections

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Tue, 28 Dec 2004 13:29:48 -0000

Bush proposes " adjusting " Iraqi elections

 

 

 

 

www.seattletimes.nwsource.com/html/politics/2002131526_iraqvote27.html

 

 

 

A spokesman for Iraq's election commission yesterday rejected a

suggestion from the Bush administration that it adjust the results of

next month's vote to expand the Sunni Arab presence in the new

legislature and government if low turnout in the volatile Sunni areas

means Shiites win an exaggerated majority in the new 275-seat

assembly.

 

The New York Times reported yesterday that Shiite leaders had been

discreetly approached about the idea by American officials, who

argued that including the Sunnis, who make up about 20 percent of the

population, would diminish the chances of post-election violence

against the Shiites, who are 60 percent of Iraq's 26 million

population.

 

Calling the U.S. overtures unacceptable interference, Electoral

Commission spokesman Farid Ayar said: " Who wins, wins. That is the

way it is. That is the way it will be in the election.