Iraq Parliament absentees thwart vote on absenteeism

Said1 · Aug 29, 2005

BAGHDAD - Iraq's parliament proposed a law on Monday to sack members of the National Assembly who repeatedly failed to turn up for work -- but the decision was put on hold because too many were absent to hold a vote.

The chamber voted 74 in favour and 71 against the legislation, but deputy speaker Hussein al-Shahristani decided to put proceedings on hold because those opposed said the absentees had a right to vote.

It was not clear why the remaining members of the 275-member parliament had missed work.

"We are in a national assembly and we have to obey its rules," said an assembly member.

Iraq's parliament is portrayed by Iraqi officials and their American supporters as a symbol of democracy after decades of iron-fisted rule under Saddam Hussein.

It meets for long hours locked in heated debates on everything from foreign relations to wheat purchases in a conference hall where birthday parties were once held for Saddam.

Just before arguments on absentee members erupted many issues were discussed, including compensation for victims of relentless suicide bombings and shootings that prompted the construction of blast walls around their building complex.

Parliament sessions are televised live to show Iraqis their new leaders are focusing on the country's problems, including power and water shortages and rampant crime.

But poor attendance in the chamber has raised questions over parliament members, who officials say are paid much higher salaries than average Iraqis.

The issue came to a head in a heated session one day after politicians wrangled for weeks on a new constitution and handed it to parliament.
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Gunny · Aug 29, 2005

Said1 said:

Continued
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And who says they aren't forming a democracy?

dilloduck · Aug 29, 2005

GunnyL said:

And who says they aren't forming a democracy?
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Agreed!!---they got the Catch-22 thing down perfectly ALREADY--fast learners !! :arabia:

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Iraq Parliament absentees thwart vote on absenteeism

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