US embassy cable - 05BAGHDAD4809

C O N F I D E N T I A L SECTION 01 OF 02 BAGHDAD 004809 
 
SIPDIS 
 
E.O. 12958: DECL: 12/01/2015 
TAGS: PGOV, PHUM, KDEM, IZ, Elections 
SUBJECT: BAGHDAD'S 9 NISSAN COUNCIL CRITICAL OF PAST 
ELECTION BUT OPTIMISTIC FOR THE FUTURE 
 
Classified By: POLCOUNS ROBERT S. FORD FOR REASONS 1.4 (B) 
AND (D) 
 
 1. (C) SUMMARY.  Members of Baghdad's 9 Nissan District 
Advisory Council (DAC) are optimistic about upcoming 
elections.  All but one of 30 members indicated they would 
vote during the elections.  Most opinions were similar to 
council members in other districts (reftel).  However, in 9 
Nissan only a limited number of members were seeking 
national assembly seats in the 15 December elections. 
These district assembly members also had strong praise for 
the Independent Election Committee Iraq (IECI).  Members 
expect an exceptionally high turnout of voters and a 
majority of seats going to Shia parties and candidates. 
Several councilpersons said they felt Saudi Arabia was 
attempting to influence the elections but could offer no 
evidence.  This DAC, one of the most culturally diverse 
councils in Baghdad, is also one of the poorest. 
Generally, it was critical of the national government, 
enthusiastic about participating in the elections, and 
optimistic about the future of democracy in Iraq. This may 
be bad for incumbents if the trend holds across other 
disgruntled voters throughout Baghdad Province.  END 
SUMMARY. 
 
2. (C) Members of the 9 Nissan DAC convened a meeting to 
discuss upcoming elections with PolOff November 29.  It has 
large numbers of Shia, Sunni, Kurd, and Christian 
populations within its boundaries.  The DAC is an equally 
diverse organization.  Nearly the entire council devoted 
two hours to answering questions and providing opinions on 
the 15 December elections.  In general, opinions expressed 
were similar to those of other DACs in Baghdad (reftel). 
Council members expect a high turnout of voters (80 to 85 
percent).  They also expect a strong showing from Kurdish 
and Sunni parties and candidates.  The members feel Shia 
entities (N.B. the term of preference among the Baghdad's 
voters) and candidates will achieve the most success. 
Representatives placed security, justice, unity, democracy 
and economic development as their leading reasons to vote 
for a candidate or entity. 
 
3. (C) One difference noted in this discussion, from 
meetings with other DACs, was that not one council member 
mentioned religion as a contributing factor for choosing a 
candidate.  Unless prompted, not one council member 
mentioned they would seek or listen to the advice of a 
sheikh, imam, politician, or community leader. Also in 
contrast to other Baghdad district councils, only two 
members of the 9 Nissan DAC are running for the national 
assembly. 
 
4. (C) Of note was the strength and depth of compliments 
given to the IECI.  The IECI's conduct during the January 
elections and October referendum received heavy praise. 
Some characterized IECI performance as "exceptional during 
such crucial and explosive events."  Council members also 
agreed international observers and the United Nations 
performed admirably during the elections.  One member 
suggested the IECI use more local volunteers at polling 
centers and provide more training for center supervisors. 
Several agreed that election employees should be permanent 
staff.  Only two members were highly critical of the IECI. 
They complained too many poll center workers were untrained 
and unqualified. 
 
5. (C) Members were very vocal and emotional when asked if 
they perceived attempts from other countries to influence 
their elections.  Though Syria, Jordan, and Iran were 
mentioned, most council members suggested intense interest 
and influence came from Saudi Arabia.  It was mentioned 
this influence was being attempted because "the Kingdom 
feared a democratic state on its borders."  When asked what 
evidence any council person had of attempts to influence 
elections, no specific examples were forthcoming.  One 
member noted that all countries, even the United States, 
have outside influences trying to direct their elections. 
Another member agreed but cautioned that all countries 
don't have the richest oil country in the world on their 
borders. As with other councils, the 9 Nissan DAC was 
nearly unanimous in stating they felt no attempts from 
Coalition Forces to influence their vote or the outcome of 
their elections. 
 
6. (C) COMMENT.  Members of the 9 Nissan DAC take great 
pride in mentioning they were the first DAC established 
after the fall of Saddam.  Several times they said 9 Nissan 
and the other DACs were the only vestiges of democracy when 
there was no president or national assembly.  But now the 
DAC feels neglected.  Coalition Forces that once showered 
them with money and projects no longer do so.  The national 
government rarely responds to their requests and snubs 
their approaches for an audience.  Still, these local 
councils express strong support for the ideals of democracy 
and an overarching desire to have free, safe, and secure 
elections. A constant theme during the 9 Nissan meeting was 
that the current government elected in January had done 
little to improve the standard of living in Iraq. Yet, DAC 
members were excited about the opportunity to vote on 
December 15 and optimistic about the future of democracy in 
Iraq. END COMMENT. 
KHALILZAD