The National Democratic Institute, together with the International Republican Institute, implemented nationwide programming in support of Iraq’s January 31 provincial elections. The elections are expected to have a significant ongoing impact on the country’s political system.
The panelists at this discussion, who were in Iraq on election day, discussed the elections, the role of the Awakening tribes, how Sunni Arab participation affected voting, how Prime Minister Maliki fared in this major political test, and whether the provincial elections could serve as a barometer for the upcoming national elections.
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Related Article: “NDI Works With Candidates Seeking Iraqi Provincial Council Seats,” March 6, 2009 | Read article »
Panelists:
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Nickolay Mladenov, Member of the European Parliament
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Julija Belej Bakovic, Washington, D.C.-based director of the Iraq program at the International Republican Institute
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Erin Mathews, Washington, D.C.-based director of the Iraq program at the National Democratic Institute
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Robert Varsalone, Iraq-based resident country director for the International Republican Institute (via videoconference)
Moderator:
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Thomas Garrett, Director of Middle East and North Africa programs at the International Republican Institute
Event Date and Time:
Wed., Feb. 4, 2009, from 10:30 a.m.-12:00 p.m.
Street Address:
International Republican Institute 1225 I St., N.W. (map)
Suite 700
Washington, D.C.
Metro: McPherson Square (Blue/Orange Lines)
Pictured above: Speakers at the Feb. 4 panel discussion; from left to right, Robert Varsalone (on screen), Thomas Garrett, Erin Mathews, Julija Belej Bakovic, and Nickolay Mladenov.
