Iraqis like elections
From Adrian Weale Sir: Rod Liddle claims that you cannot create democracy in Iraq because 'there is no evidence that many people want it' (Things were better under Saddam', 17 April). Cobblers!
As Chief of Staff for the Coalition Provisional Authority in Dhi Oar province, centred on Nasiriyah, I personally supervised the first four of the 17 (out of a possible 19) democratic town council elections to have been held in the province so far. These elections were organised at the urging of local people because of their dissatisfaction with the imposed councils set up at the end of the fighting. In the absence of a census, voting qualification was based on the 'Oil for Food' scheme ration cards, with one (later two) votes being given to each family.
I have to report that enthusiasm for these elections was enormous and, despite the fact that the lead in organising them was generally taken by local Shia clerics and members of religious political parties. the great majority of the successful candidates were 'independents' with a technical or professional education.
So what? Well, what it told me was that the Shia Iraqis of the south have agreat thirst for political change after 35 years of oppression, but that they also have the common sense to realise that it will take time.
The truth is that reconstruction efforts got off to a slow start and we are not as far down the road as we should be. Nevertheless. things are moving, particularly since the US supplementary budget was passed. There were always going to be setbacks but the situation, in the south at least, is not nearly as precarious as it is being portrayed. The Coalition needs to keep its nerve and stay focused on the transition to Iraqi sovereignty — which is what the various current troublemakers are actually trying to prevent.
Adrian Weale
London W8
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