Maliki makes waves with gov’t change

Statements by Iraqi Prime Minister Nouri al-Maliki, calling for the adoption of a presidential regime instead of the current parliamentary system, have provoked strong reactions among Iraqi political forces.

In an interview with the American Arabic-language satellite station al-Hurra, al-Maliki warned of catastrophe if consensual democracy is maintained. "In the beginning, consensus was necessary for us. In this last period, we all embraced consensus and everyone took part together," said al-Maliki, referring to the division of key political positions among members of different ethnic, sectarian and political groups. "But if this continues it will become a problem, a flaw, a catastrophe. The alternative is democracy, and that means majority rule." Iraqis have been divided in their reaction. Some support al-Maliki’s call on the condition that such a step be based on direct elections; others say the call is an attempt by the Prime Minister to seize more power for himself.