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11/27/2004:

"Big Iraqi Parties Are Urging Delay in Jan. 30 Voting"

BAGHDAD, Iraq, Nov. 26 - Some of Iraq's most powerful political groups, including the party led by the interim prime minister, called Friday for a six-month delay in elections scheduled for Jan. 30, citing concerns over security.

The list of groups includes some that have been among the strongest backers of American policy in Iraq, and their call gives sudden momentum to those arguing for a postponement. The two main Kurdish parties supported the delay request, marking the first time the Kurds, closely allied with the Americans, have taken a clear stand on the issue.
Full Article: nytimes.com

Top Iraqi Shi'ite Party Insists on Timely Election
BAGHDAD (Reuters) - One of Iraq's most powerful Shi'ite Muslim parties said on Saturday any delay to planned Jan. 30 elections would be a victory for insurgents trying to wreck the process.

Abdul Aziz al-Hakim, the head of the influential Supreme Council for the Islamic Revolution in Iraq (SCIRI), told Reuters he would reject calls by leading Sunni Muslim and secular parties for elections to be postponed amid relentless violence.

``This would mean that the terrorists have been able to achieve one of their main objectives; that there be no elections and that a suitable political process does not start,'' he said.

``We will insist on the necessity of holding elections and that a delay will not be in the interests of the Iraqi people.''

Iraq's 60 percent Shi'ite majority, oppressed under Saddam Hussein, is keen for the election go ahead on time, knowing it is likely to cement the increased power they have enjoyed since the Sunni former president's overthrow.
Full Article: nytimes.com/reuters