Official Website of Ahrar

Iraqi Opposition Parties Prevented From Campaigning

Today Ahrar Leader Ayad Jamal Aldin called upon the Iraqi people to contact their representatives ahead of emergency talks to demand that the campaigning period for the election on March 7th, is allowed to begin.

The Iraqi Electoral Commissions' announcement to delay the start of campaigning, ahead of the next month's election, is further evidence of Maliki's corrupt and undemocratic regime.

With the US troops withdrawal now confirmed, these elections are pivotal for the future stability of Iraq. Despite the governments assurances of a free and fair election this latest delay demonstrates that the reality is anything but.

"How can they claim that these elections are fair? First, they illegally ban 511 candidates and now we are being allowed only 22 days to campaign. The government is farcical." said Ahrar's party leader, Ayad Jamal Aldin.

"We are a movement who are offering the Iraqi people a chance for change and hope for the future but, we need time to get our message to the people. The government recognizes that the public do not support them and the threat we pose so, as a result, are doing everything possible to hinder the progress of the opposition."

"Iraqis must demand that in the build up to this crucial election, ALL candidates and campaigns are allowed the opportunity to address the issues which face Iraq. I call upon all Iraqis to lobby their local representative to allow the campaigns to begin."

For further information, contact:

Ahrar Media Bureau
Tel: +964 (0)790 157 4478 / +964 (0)790 157 4479 / +964 (0)771 275 2942
press@ahrarparty.com

About Ayad Jamal Aldin:

Ayad Jamal Aldin is a cleric, best known for his consistent campaigning for a new, secular Iraq. He first rose to prominence at the Nasiriyah conference in March 2003, shortly before the fall of Saddam, where he called for a state free of religion, the turban and other theological symbols. In 2005, he was elected as one of the 25 MPs on the Iraqi National List, but withdrew in 2009 after becoming disenchanted with Iyad Allawi's overtures to Iran. He wants complete independence from Iranian interference in Iraq. He now leads the Ahrar party for the 2010 election to the Council of Representatives, to clean up corruption and create a strong, secure and liberated Iraq for the future.