Frequently Asked Questions
1. Who are Ahrar?
A. A new political movement headed by Ayad Jamal Aldin standing on a non-sectarian and inclusive political ticket to tackle corruption and the problems which stem from it. We are committed to fighting corruption – foreign influence, ending sectarianism in politics and to return trust to everyday life in Iraq.
2. Why is it different?
A. As oppose to other parties, Ahrar is a movement for anyone who wishes to see the end of corruption and sectarianism within Iraqi government and society. Our candidates are Sunni, Shia, Kurd and Christian – over 20% are women. Unlike other politicians, Ayad Jamal Aldin has consistently spread this message.
3. How can you be trusted to deliver?
A. Ahrar has seen countless examples of the problems and issues which are caused to Iraqi citizens by the political elite’s corruption and sectarian positions. Ahrar will make it a priority to tackle corruption by ensuring anyone suspected of corrupt activity are investigated and any charges following from that will be prosecuted for the maximum sentence. In five years if you do not believe we have delivered on eradicating corrupt practises from government, or that the security situation has not improved, or that the sectarian divides in Iraqi society still exist, you can vote to remove Ahrar.
4. How will you specifically...:
1. Create jobs?
A. Crucial to creating jobs is improving the security situation. Only then will Iraq be in the position to attract stable foreign direct investment and only then will ordinary Iraqis feel safe in setting up a business to improve their own lives. Ahrar acknowledges the barriers faced by small businesses and entrepreneurs and would seek to end the corruption faced by these businesses at a local council level. We want to give Iraqis power and control over their own lives. We will bring an end to the culture of corruption which sees Iraqis having to pay to find a job.
2. Tackle corruption?
A. We will empower the Iraqi Commission of Public Integrity to investigate all officials, civil servants and elected representatives where complaints have been raised. The Iraqi Commission of Public Integrity will also be empowered and resourced to take cases to court and they will be backed to seek the maximum sentence. There will be no grace or favours offered to party members. Iraqis do not pay taxes so that their public servants can steal from them.
3. Restore security?
A. We must tackle the religious divides and restore united national pride, rathe than allowing ethnic tension to continue to simmer. We must also ensure that Iraqi interests are maintained. Iranian influence within the Shia political groupings is a growing and worrying trend. Iraq is one nation and while we should be tolerant of each other’s religious differences, we are all Iraqis first and foremost. Security and corruption are also linked and a special investigative branch linked to the Iraqi Commission of Public Integrity will be set up to investigate each member of the security forces. Bombings should be traceable by the roadblocks that cars / trucks have passed through – those found to have offered a route to a target will be suspended pending an investigation and prosecuted to the full extent of the law as an accessory to terrorism and punished accordingly.
4. Fix the electricity and water problems?
A. As things stand, supply of these basic elements are accessible only as a result of bribery and corruption. Iraq has sufficient by way of oil supplies to power itself and to export to gain additional revenues. The Ministry of Oil as a result of corruption has been more insistent on exporting / selling than domestic provision. By addressing the issues of corruption through prosecution at the point of origin and the end of the supply chain, Ahrar plans to ensure that water and electricity supply are secure and more reliable than they presently are.