Columbia International Affairs Online: Working Papers

CIAO DATE: 07/2010

The Real Results of the Iraqi Election: By July 2010, in Early 2011, or Years Later?

Anthony H Cordesman

April 2010

Center for Strategic and International Studies

Abstract

It may well be early 2011 before we know the actual results of the Iraqi election, and not because there were problems in the way the election was held, or in the counting of votes. Prime Minister Maliki is playing power politics with a relatively honest election, not protesting one with serious abuses. Elections, however, are ultimately about two things: Who gains power and who can govern.