Millions 'will turn out to challenge rebels'

Iraqis are expected to turn out in big numbers to cast their votes on the constitutional referendum when the polling stations open, say Sunni, Shiite and Kurdish leaders.

"Yes, we expect a high turnout," Tareq Al Hashemi, Secretary-General of the Iraq Islamic Party (IIP), told Gulf News.

The Iraqis, he said, became more aware "about their duties and not giving up their role in the political process".

As a result of the deal struck between IPP, the largest Arab political party, and Shiite and Sunni leaders last Wednesday, the IPP ended its "no" campaign against the referendum.

Sunni participation is crucial. Nearly 20 per cent of Iraq's 27 million population are Sunnis.

Reports from Baghdad quoting security forces said the headquarters of the political party was attacked because of the agreement.

However, Al Hashemi denied the reports and said they are "lies".

"These reports, truly, have no credibility at all," he said.

Shiites, who constitute nearly 55 per cent of the population, are also expected to back the draft.

"I expect a turnout higher than that of the previous elections [parliamentary]," said Hussain Shaherstani, Deputy Speaker.

"I expect more than 70 per cent to vote across Iraq," he said.

"We really hope the draft will get the approval of the Iraqi people," said Burhom Saleh, Planning and International Cooperation Minister.

The turnout is expected to be "at least" equivalent to the parliamentary elections.

Nearly 58 per cent of registered voters cast their ballots in the January elections, the first multi-party election in half a century.

Meanwhile, many parties, including Sunni groups, still oppose the referendum.

They fear it would divide Iraq into three separate districts: powerful mini-states of Kurds in the north and majority Shiites in the south, both capitalising on Iraq's oil wealth.

By contrast, many Sunnis fear their minority will be left isolated in central and western Iraq with a weak central government in Baghdad.

"The important thing about this draft is that it does meet the ambitions of any party. Surely, there are Kurdish reservations," said Saleh.

"In my opinion, the constitution represents wide differences in understanding and marginal national unity. It is a document of compromise and settlement for the various political positions," he said. Other leaders echoed similar opinions.

"Everybody agreed on one thing: to consider the draft a common factor", said Al Hashemi.

"It was a compromise. Iraqis would not have agreed on another formula," Shaherstani said.

He added, "If somebody has a reservation this doesn't mean a rejection of the whole political process."

Insurgents who were behind scores of deadly attacks have threatened repeatedly to derail the referendum, and Iraqi authorities have tightened security to stop any attacks.

Among the measures were the closing of Iraq's borders and increased police and army patrols.

"We can't underestimate this confrontation," said Saleh.

Iraqis, said Sharhestani, will "come out in millions to say to insurgents we are challenging you."

Draft
Some of the changes made to the charter

QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS

Following are some questions and answers about the referendum, its rules and how it will be administered:

Why a referendum?
Iraq's interim constitution, prepared with the help of US and British diplomats ahead of the transfer of sovereignty in June last year, stipulated that the new constitution, drawn up by parliament elected on January 30 this year, should be put to a general referendum "no later than" October 15, 2005.

What does the referendum ask?
The ballot paper asks voters: "Do you approve the draft constitution of Iraq?". At the bottom of the page are two boxes, marked "Yes" and "No" in Arabic and Kurdish.

What's the benchmark for success?
The referendum will be successful and the draft constitution ratified if the majority of those who turn out to vote say "Yes", and as long as two thirds of voters who cast a ballot in three of Iraq's 18 provinces do not say "No".

How many people will vote?
Iraq's Electoral Commission, which is organising the referendum with the help of around 35 international specialists, says 15.5 million of Iraq's 27 million people are registered, up from the 14.3 million who registered to vote in the first post-Saddam Hussain election in January. Turnout in January was just under 60 per cent, with 8.5 million people turning out. Only about one Sunni Arab in 10 voted, but that figure is expected to be higher this time around.

Where will people vote?
The Electoral Commission will set up 6,200 polling sites around the country. Polls will be open from 7am until 5pm, although hours could be extended, as they were in January, if violence causes delays or if some polling sites are overcrowded.

Will there be monitors?
Around 500 observers from a range of international groups have so far registered to monitor the vote, including representatives from the Arab League and the US National Democratic Institute. They number slightly fewer than those who monitored the January election.

What happens if it passes?
The constitution will be ratified and elections for a four-year parliament with full powers will be held no later than December 15, with the new government to be sworn in before December 31, according to the interim constitution.

And if it fails?
The parliament will be dissolved and elections would have to be held by December 15 for a new interim parliament. That assembly would then have to re-draft a constitution that would have to