SUNNI ARAB PARTY SECGEN AL-HASHIMI COMPLAINS OF

C O N F I D E N T I A L BAGHDAD 005135

SIPDIS

E.O. 12958: DECL: 12/27/2015
TAGS: PGOV KDEM PNAT IZ
SUBJECT: SUNNI ARAB PARTY SECGEN AL-HASHIMI COMPLAINS OF
CORRUPT ELECTION OVERSIGHT

Classified By: Classified By: Political Counselor Robert Ford for reaso
ns
1.4(b) and (d)


1. (C) Iraqi Islamic Party (IIP) General Secretary Tariq
al-Hashimi told PolCouns December 26, the Tawafuq, a Sunni
Arab coalition, has evidence of corruption within the
Independent Electoral Commission of Iraq (IECI). Al-Hashimi
maintained IECI officials, including staff investigating
election improprieties, are themselves corrupt. He added an
IECI insider told him December 25 the Tawafuq won 60 seats
in the Council of Representatives, but now the IECI is
reluctant to release these election results.


2. (C) Al-Hashimi told POLCOUNS the IIP will negotiate
with Kurdish officials to attempt to form a broader
coalition, but that the IIP must first coordinate with
Khalif al Ayan, leader of the National Dialogue Council, and
Adnan Duleimi, leader of the Iraqi People's Conference,
both member parties of the Tawafuq.


3. (C) Comment. Al-Hashimi appears to be fully engaged in
an effort to forge a broader coalition among Sunni Arab and
Kurds. This certainly does not preclude an eventual unity
government with the UIC, but Al-Hashimi sees the need to
join with other non-Shi'a parties to better balance any
talks with the stronger and more imposing UIC.
KHALILZAD