ERBIL, Kurdistan – Iraq’s highest Shiite religious authority, Ayatollah Ali al-Sistani, said Friday he supports the demands of Iraqis for a new political system of their choosing, calling for an end to the bloodshed.
“Respecting the will of Iraqis in determining the political and administrative system of their country through a referendum over the constitution and periodic elections for the parliament is the principle that the religious Marja has adhered to and affirmed since the changing of the previous regime,” Sistani, who is also known as the Marja (source), said in a speech read by his representative Ahmed al-Safi.
Iraqis have been protesting since October 1 demanding jobs, services, and action against corruption. Following the violent crackdown by security forces and militias, they are now demanding an overhaul of the political system, with many calling for a republican model similar to the United States with a strong executive presidency.
Such a model would see the old parties and their militias who dominate Iraq’s parliamentary system lose their monopoly on power.
No regional or international force, nor any person or group should be allowed to “hijack the will of Iraqis and impose its will on them”, Sistani added.
“We call on all sides to think of Iraq’s present and future and not to let fleeting reactions or private interests prevent them from making the correct decision in this regard that is for the good, prosperity, and development of this country,” Sistani added, calling on security forces to cease using excessive force against protesters.
Iraq adopted its parliamentary system under the 2005 constitution. Prior to this, Iraq had ruled by a strong executive presidency since the 1958 revolution which overthrew the British-installed monarchy. Under Saddam Hussein, the office of the presidency became increasingly dictatorial.
According to the latest figures published by Iraq’s Independent High Commission for Human Rights’ (IHCHR), covering October 25 to October 30, at least 100 people have been killed and around 5,500 wounded.
This brings the total death toll since October 1 to at least 257 killed and around 10,000 injured.
One of the deadliest weapons to have been used so far is military-grade teargas, fired directly into the crowd, killing at least five people when the metal canisters became embedded in their skulls.
Iraqis have been unhappy with Sistani, a man widely revered, because he has largely stood by the Iraqi government and old political parties since the start of the protests.
In his first speech since the outbreak of protests on October 4, Sistani appeared to back the government of Prime Minister Adil Abdul-Mahdi. Rather than demand his resignation, he called for reform.
However, with the unrest ongoing, Sistani has slowly taken the side of the protesters. His endorsement of a referendum is the latest significant development.
Iraq’s President Barham Salih announced on Thursday plans to overhaul election laws, the Independent Electoral Commission, among key institutions.
The president also said Abdul-Mahdi is willing to step down, on the condition that a replacement is prepared so that a constitutional vacuum is not left.
