Iraq: Between Referendum and Elections

Following the ratification of Iraq's national constitution in the October 15 referendum, the December 15 parliamentary elections are set as the next milestone in Iraq's democratic political process:

• How have the parties and alliances been reconfigured? Which new entrants can be expected to make strong showings?
• What will be the impact of Grand Ayatollah Ali al-Sistani's decision not to endorse the United Iraqi Alliance?
• Will the Sunni Arabs participate? What difference will it make?
• How will changes in the electoral law reshape the political competition?
• Will the election of a new parliament bring political stability or increased sectarian strife?
• What impact will the insurgency have on the electoral process and the electoral outcome?

Speakers

• Dana Eyre, Senior Fellow, U.S. Institute of Peace
• Paul Hughes, Iraq Program Officer, Peace and Stability Operations, U.S. Institute of Peace
• Phebe Marr, Senior Fellow, U.S. Institute of Peace
• Jonathan Morrow, Iraq Program Officer, Rule of Law Program, U.S. Institute of Peace
• Daniel Serwer, Vice President, Peace and Stability Operations, U.S. Institute of Peace, Moderator

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