Democracy between text and practice: Towards a genuine national interpretation of democratic concepts in Iraq

Haider Al-Barzanji - President of the Naram-Sin Foundation

In the march of peoples towards freedom and stability, democracy remains a civilized and humane choice, not only as a political system, but as a system of values ​​based on justice, equality, dignity and participation.

After 2003, Iraq adopted this model and enshrined it constitutionally through an electoral and pluralistic system that guarantees the peaceful transfer of power and gives the people a leading role in decision-making.

But experience has shown that there is a gap between constitutional texts and actual application, and this gap does not mean the failure of democracy, but rather indicates an urgent need to reform mechanisms, strengthen institutions, and develop public awareness.

The Iraqi people, despite all the wars, sanctions, terrorism, occupation and divisions they have experienced, have proven on more than one occasion that they are committed to democracy and want a fair and just political system that reflects their will and sacrifices.

The voice of the religious authority played an immeasurable role in this journey, as it stood up at crucial moments to maintain the course, called for reform, rejected corruption and quotas, and presented a coherent moral and spiritual vision for the advancement of the state on the foundations of justice and public service.

This experiment would not have survived were it not for the blood of thousands of martyrs who gave their lives so that the state would remain, democracy would be possible, and sovereignty would be preserved.

In order to transform democracy from theory into practice, we need to:

1- Reforming the electoral system and ensuring fair and genuine representation.

2- Empowering youth, women and civil society to influence and participate.

3- Separating partisan interests from state institutions and achieving independence and integrity.

4- Establishing the principle of oversight and accountability in the political culture.

5- Adopting a comprehensive national discourse that transcends sectarianism and factionalism.

We are not starting from scratch, but from great sacrifices and solid foundations. What we need is the collective will to move from patience to action, from criticism to participation, and from waiting to building.

Point of awareness

If we believe that democracy is our choice, do we have the courage to contribute to reforming it? Will we repay the martyrs, the religious authority, and the citizens by building a state worthy of their sacrifices?