Identifier
Created
Classification
Origin
09BAGHDAD158
2009-01-21 14:34:00
CONFIDENTIAL
Embassy Baghdad
how-toVZCZCXRO1533 PP RUEHBC RUEHDE RUEHIHL RUEHKUK DE RUEHGB #0158 0211434 ZNY CCCCC ZZH P 211434Z JAN 09 FM AMEMBASSY BAGHDAD TO RUEHC/SECSTATE WASHDC PRIORITY 1320 INFO RUCNRAQ/IRAQ COLLECTIVE
C O N F I D E N T I A L BAGHDAD 000158
SIPDIS
E.O. 12958: DECL: 01/21/2019
TAGS: PGOVL PREL KISL IZ
SUBJECT: SISTANI URGES IRAQIS TO VOTE
REF: A. BAGHDAD 2832
B. BAGHDAD 2661
Classified By: Acting Political Counselor Timothy A. Lenderking for rea
sons 1.4 (b) and (d).
C O N F I D E N T I A L BAGHDAD 000158
SIPDIS
E.O. 12958: DECL: 01/21/2019
TAGS: PGOVL PREL KISL IZ
SUBJECT: SISTANI URGES IRAQIS TO VOTE
REF: A. BAGHDAD 2832
B. BAGHDAD 2661
Classified By: Acting Political Counselor Timothy A. Lenderking for rea
sons 1.4 (b) and (d).
1. (U) In a statement released by his Najaf office on Monday,
January 19, Grand Ayatollah Ali Husayni al-Sistani urged
Iraqis to vote in the upcoming provincial elections.
Acknowledging the disappointment that some Iraqis have with
their democratically elected officials and the electoral
process, SISTANI nonetheless called on "all residents, men
and women, to participate in the coming elections," and
stressed "not to boycott it despite not being totally
satisfied with the previous electoral experience." SISTANI
reaffirmed his neutrality in the upcoming elections, stating:
"the religious leadership stands an equal distance from all
candidates in these elections, but it stresses at the same
time that voters must, after thorough checks and evaluation,
choose those who are worthy of becoming members of provincial
councils."
2. (C) Comment: Sistani's statement is consistent with other
messages issues by the Shi'a higher religious authority in
the past year in support of the electoral process. Sistani's
statement will encourage voter turnout, providing an impetus
to those who have grown disenchanted with Iraq's democratic
process to participate in the provincial elections. Perhaps
more significant is his declared position of neutrality, a
firm rebuke to those parties and individuals competing in the
elections who seek to capitalize on his exalted status among
the Shi'a faithful by claiming his support. End Comment.
CROCKER
SIPDIS
E.O. 12958: DECL: 01/21/2019
TAGS: PGOVL PREL KISL IZ
SUBJECT: SISTANI URGES IRAQIS TO VOTE
REF: A. BAGHDAD 2832
B. BAGHDAD 2661
Classified By: Acting Political Counselor Timothy A. Lenderking for rea
sons 1.4 (b) and (d).
1. (U) In a statement released by his Najaf office on Monday,
January 19, Grand Ayatollah Ali Husayni al-Sistani urged
Iraqis to vote in the upcoming provincial elections.
Acknowledging the disappointment that some Iraqis have with
their democratically elected officials and the electoral
process, SISTANI nonetheless called on "all residents, men
and women, to participate in the coming elections," and
stressed "not to boycott it despite not being totally
satisfied with the previous electoral experience." SISTANI
reaffirmed his neutrality in the upcoming elections, stating:
"the religious leadership stands an equal distance from all
candidates in these elections, but it stresses at the same
time that voters must, after thorough checks and evaluation,
choose those who are worthy of becoming members of provincial
councils."
2. (C) Comment: Sistani's statement is consistent with other
messages issues by the Shi'a higher religious authority in
the past year in support of the electoral process. Sistani's
statement will encourage voter turnout, providing an impetus
to those who have grown disenchanted with Iraq's democratic
process to participate in the provincial elections. Perhaps
more significant is his declared position of neutrality, a
firm rebuke to those parties and individuals competing in the
elections who seek to capitalize on his exalted status among
the Shi'a faithful by claiming his support. End Comment.
CROCKER