Iraqi PM listens to protesters’ demands at sit-in site in Baghdad

Iraqi Prime Minister Mustafa Al-Kadhimi has for the first time met with anti-government protesters in central Baghdad, renewing his pledge to deliver on their rightful demands.

On Wednesday, Kadhimi visited a group of young demonstrators, including college graduates, during a sit-in in the center of Baghdad and listened to their demands and proposals, according to a statement by his office.

The Iraqi prime minister promised to “meet all their rightful demands,” saying that “the government faces cumulative problems, caused by years of mismanagement of the decision makers, and the absence of long-term plans,” the statement said.

Kadhimi described the protesters’ demands as “legitimate” and in line with the country’s constitution and his government’s agenda.

He said that measures taken by the government against corruption and mismanagement would have a positive impact on the overall performance of the country and the government apparatus.

Criminal groups seeking to create chaos in Baghdad’s Tahrir Square protests: Iraqi Interior Ministry

The Iraqi Interior Ministry has warned that there are “criminal groups” in Tahrir Square in Baghdad, seeking to create chaos and beat protesters.

Iraq has been the scene of protests over the past months, with young crowds demanding jobs, services, and urgent action against alleged rampant corruption.

Former Iraqi prime minister Adel Abdul Mahdi stepped down under the pressure of the rallies, which were sometimes marred by deadly violence

Kadhimi, who took office following a political consensus in May, has promised to fulfill key demands of anti-government demonstrators.

Furthermore, Kadhimi has promised dialog with protesters and has requested comprehensive lists of all those who have been killed and wounded throughout the months-long protests in a bid to put those accountable on trial and bring about compensation.

Last week, Kadhimi proposed that parliamentary elections be held next June, a year earlier than scheduled, a key demand of anti-government protesters.

Iraqi premier calls early elections in June 2021, one year earlier than scheduled

The Iraqi prime minister has called early parliamentary elections on June 2021, a year earlier than scheduled.

The next legislative elections had originally been due for May 2022. After the date was drawn a year closer by the prime minister, it is now the parliament’s turn to officially vote on the new date.

However, it is not yet clear under what electoral law the early elections will be held.

Late last year, a new electoral law was passed, aiming at giving political independents a better chance of securing seats in parliament and weakening the hold of the ruling elites, but political differences prevail over the implementation of the legislation.

If the new law is implemented, it would change each of Iraq’s 18 provinces into a number of electoral districts, with one lawmaker elected per 100,000 people, meaning that it would practically bar parties from running on unified lists, which in the past has helped them win all the seats in a certain province.

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