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Iraq constitution promises liberal
democratic future
11.10.2005
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Oct 11 (Reuters) -
Iraq's new draft constitution will be put to voters
in a referendum on Saturday.
The charter is supported by most Shi'ite and Kurdish
leaders in the U.S.-backed government. It is opposed
by elements of the Sunni Arab minority, some of whom
are in open revolt amid fears the document will seal
their political doom.
Following are key elements of the constitution:
- Iraq will be a federal, parliamentary democracy.
- Elections will be held every four years.
- The leader of the parliamentary majority will
serve as prime minister.
- Islam is the state religion, although religious
freedom is guaranteed. Islam is also recognised as a
main source of all legislation. No law can
contradict fixed principles of Islam or democracy or
rights granted elsewhere in the constitution.
- Iraqis are equal before the law, with the rights
to freedom of expression, the press and assembly.
- Men and women are given equal political rights,
including the right to run as candidates.
- The Baath party, once led by Saddam Hussein, is
banned.
- The judicial system will be transparent, and all
forms of torture and inhumane treatment are
forbidden.
- Arabic and Kurdish are the country's official
national languages.
- Iraq's oil and gas reserves are declared "the
property of all Iraqi people".
- Oil revenues are to be shared equitably by the
country's regions although areas neglected under
Saddam Hussein will be given preferential treatment
for a specified period to ensure balanced economic
development.
- Provincial administrations will be given a strong
level of autonomy, including the right to form
regional governments that will be allowed to set up
their own security structures.
Reuters
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