BAGHDAD PROVINCIAL COUNCIL CHAIRMAN CHANGES

C O N F I D E N T I A L BAGHDAD 004428

SIPDIS

E.O. 12958: DECL: 10/27/2015
TAGS: PGOV PINR IZ
SUBJECT: BAGHDAD PROVINCIAL COUNCIL CHAIRMAN CHANGES
PARTIES, LEAVES COUNCIL FOR ATTEMPT AT NATIONAL ASSEMBLY

Classified By: POLITICAL COUNSELOR ROBERT FORD FOR REASONS
1.4 (B) AND (D).


1. (C) Mazin Makia, Chairman of the Baghdad Provincial
Council (BPC) has left the Da'wa Party and joined the
National Democratic Alliance Party (NDAP). Makia has been
the BPC Chairman since the formation of the council and
also serves as Provincial Reconstruction and Development
Committee (PRDC) Chairman. Mazin is changing parties in
pursuit of a seat in the next National Assembly.


2. (C) Mazin, a Shia, told PolOff he changed parties after
deciding to seek election to the National Assembly in
December. He told PolOff he was thankful for his past
relationship with Da'wa but it was time to move to a party
that better represented his viewpoint. Mazin said the NDAP
represents a coalition of parties and beliefs. However,
Mazin also admitted he was lured to the new party by the
offer of the number two position behind the party chairman.
Chairman of the NDAP is Abid Faisel Al-Sehalny, a secular
Shia and member of the National Assembly.


3. (C) Mazin is running for the National Assembly with
hopes of winning a seat from Baghdad. He would like to
become a member of any committee that deals with issues
that impact provincial governments. He feels his
experience in local government and understanding of
provincial politics will allow him better represent the
people of Baghdad and of the nation.


4. (C) If elected, his departure from the BPC will create
an immediate opening in the chairmanship of BPC and PRDC.
Mazin feels there are several qualified individuals to
assume his positions on the BPC but refused to speculate on
whom the council may choose. He said his exit would have
little impact on the performance of the BPC. Mazin said
the council would be in good hands because of the quality
of people serving in the organization. However, he also
stated that should he lose election to the assembly he
would still maintain his seat on the BPC, just not as a
member of the Da'wa Party.


5. (C) COMMENT: Mazin's defection from the Da'wa Party is
a blow to the party's prestige and influence in local
Baghdad politics. He has provided steady direction on the
BPC during his tenure and a calming influence and counter-
weight to the brash, harsh demeanor of the governor. His
easy accessibility has been an asset in developing strong
relations between the council and coalition forces. His
departure will leave a void in local Baghdad politics but,
if elected, would provide a capable new member to the next
assembly. END COMMENT.
Satterfield