Iraq elections
...elections and eventually become a self-ruled country. Iraq will have its first nationwide election on January 30,2005. The biggest challenge facing these elections is between Shiite and Sunni Muslims. There has been a long history of tension and violence between these two groups. The Shiites represent 60% of the population and the Sunni 20% of the population. Shiites have traditionally had less power than Sunni Muslims. Former President Saddam Hussein is a Sunni Muslim and under his rule Shiites were given no leadership roles within the government. The success of this election will depend upon all Iraqi’s voting. All Iraqi’s need to believe the elected officials are legitimate and have the right to rule. All Iraq’s eligible citizens are encouraged to vote. The Iraqi’s will elect 275 members to the National Assembly. The National Assembly will choose Iraq’s Prime Minister and other government officials. Avad Alawi who is Shiite Muslim chosen by the U.S. in June 2004 to act as a Prime Minister. He believes the n...