Election law sparks hope, but reformers remain concerned
New legislation could reduce the influence of political party bosses, but reformers still see major hurdles to free and fair elections.
BAGHDAD - Iraq has taken a major step toward holding early elections by ratifying an election law that addresses some demands of anti-government protesters who blamed the old system for helping perpetuate a dysfunctional status quo.
The legislation makes two significant changes. Under the new "single non-transferrable vote" system, seats in Parliament will be awarded to the candidates who win the greatest number of votes — in contrast to the old system, in which candidates ran on electoral lists and parties could transfer votes among list members, which empowers party bosses. Additionally, provinces will now be sub-divided into several smaller electoral districts instead of one single district, which could increase the relevance of tribal leaders to party officials looking to secure increasingly local constituencies.
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