Alan Johnson examines a new constitution for a new Iraq: a view from the KDP

The website of the Kurdish Democratic Party carries an interesting article by Dr. Munther Al-Fadhal on ‘The Basic Principles of the Permanent Constitution of the New Iraq’. The January Elections will elect a National Assembly tasked with drawing up a new constitution for Iraq. This constitution will be endorsed or rejected by the Iraqi people in a national referendum in October 2005. If it is passed fresh elections will be held under its rules in December 2005.

What should the new constitution look like? Dr Munther Al-Fadhal sets out his vision of “a pluralistic and democratic Iraq that enjoys stability and peace based on the principle of freely chosen federation, which respects the Basic Law, operative laws, human rights, and the international commitments. An Iraq which is free from discrimination due to sex, colour, ethnicity, nationality, religion, and thought. An Iraq in which women play a role that corresponds with the human values in life. For the sake of a neutral Iraq away from the wars. An Iraq in which constitutional institutions, civil society, and the integrity of law, are established. This is to be away from the idol-worship and the military and totalitarian rules that are totally at odds with the principles of democratic rule. For the sake of an Iraq in which all the nationalities enjoy freedom, stability, and security; in which every party recognizes the others’ rights, respects the peoples’ rights of self-determination and consolidates principles of peaceful succession; there should exist a permanent constitution for the country."