Originally posted by the Voice of America.
Voice of America content is produced by the Voice of America,
a United States federal government-sponsored entity, and is in
the public domain.


Prominent Sunni Opposition Party Barred from Iraq Election

   The  director  of  the  Accountability and Justice Committee, says the
   party  leader,  Salah  al-Mutlak, was disqualified for speaking out in
   support of members of Saddam Hussein's former ruling Baath Party.

   VOA News 08 January 2010
   Salah  al-Mutlak  (L) is flanked by supporters at a news conference in
   Baghdad, 08 Jan 2010

Photo: AP

   Salah  al-Mutlak  (L) is flanked by supporters at a news conference in
   Baghdad, 08 Jan 2010

   Iraqi  officials  said Thursday a prominent secular Sunni lawmaker and
   his  party  have  been  barred  from  participating  in  the  upcoming
   parliamentary election because of ties to the previous regime.
   Ali  Faysal al-Lami, director of the Iraqi parliament's Accountability
   and  Justice  Committee,  said  the  party leader, Salah al-Mutlak was
   disqualified  for  speaking  out  in  support  of  members  of  Saddam
   Hussein's former ruling Baath Party.
   Al-Mutlak  dismissed  the  allegation  against  him  and  says he will
   appeal.
   Analysts say the announcement is a blow to U.S. officials who hope the
   election will bring opposition factions into the political process and
   stabilize the Iraqi government.
   At  least  13  other  parties  were  also banned for ties to the Baath
   regime.
   Opposition  leaders  said the decision could lead to a strong reaction
   from Sunni voters.
   Sunnis largely boycotted the last elections in 2005.
   Some information for this report was provided by AP.

.