President Donald Trump greets Iraqi Prime Minister Haider al-Abadi at the White House in Washington, U.S., March 20, 2017. REUTERS/Kevin Lamarque
Arab News: Iraqi premier calls election, bans armed factions from contesting
BAGHDAD: Iraq will hold a parliamentary election on May 15 next year and political parties with armed wings will not be allowed to take part, Prime Minister Haider Al-Abadi said on Wednesday.
“The Popular Mobilization Forces (PMF), as a part of the Iraqi security system, have no right to practice politics,” Al-Abadi said. “So, as a military institution, they will not participate in the election. Political parties should give up their armed wings, or they will be prevented from taking part.”
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WNU Editor: Iraqi Prime Minister Haider Al-Abadi will run .... but no one is sure if he will win. Forcing Iraq's political parties to give up on their militias if they want to run for office is a positive development .... but no one is sure if they will comply. Bottom line .... the next few months are going to be critical for Iraq .... I can only hope that the people choose wisely when they finally do go to the polls in May.
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