Salahaddin continues struggle to be an autonomous region

[alan131210]

06/12/2011 14:23

BAGHDAD, Dec. 6 (AKnews) - The Provincial Council of Salahaddin announced plans to obtain support of one tenth of eligible voters in the province to become an autonomous region in an attempt to bypass obstruction from Baghdad authoritarians.

Salahaddin needs approval from Baghdad in order to instruct the country's Electoral Commission to conduct a popular referendum as whether the people want to remain under direct control of Baghdad or be an autonomous region like the Kurdish region in the north.

Salahaddin has been attempting to become an autonomous region over the couple months after they accused the Shiite-dominated authorities in Baghdad of repressing the Sunnis.

"Obtaining the support of one-tenth of the voters will allow Salahaddin council to submit its bid directly to the Electoral Commission for conducting a popular referendum without going back to the Iraqi government's Council of Ministers" Deputy Chairman of the Salahaddin provincial council, Sabhan Jiyad, said.

Iraqi Constitution's Article 119 allows for a province to bid to become an autonomous region either through support of one third of the council members or the direct support of one tenth of the eligible voters in the province.

Salahaddin's bid had been met with objection by authorities in Baghdad. Prime Minister Nouri al-Maliki described it as a bid to divide Iraq and accused the provincial officials of providing sanctuary to insurgents and outlawed former Baath Party officials.

Salahaddin provincial council proclaimed itself an autonomous region in September after Iraqi authorities arrested scores of academics on charges of links with former Baath Party and plotting to stage a coup to overthrow the Iraqi government upon the withdrawal of the US forces in Iraq. The province requires certification through a referendum.

http://www.aknews.com/en/aknews/4/276574/