The Wire

Can democracy exist in Iraq or anywhere in the Middle-East? And if so, on whose terms? will America’s vision of democracy will work in Iraq? One of the greatest challenges facing the Iraqi elections in January 2005 will be to provide a secure environment for voters to ensure a legitimate result. But as the country is already gripped by violence and terrorism, this will be a difficult task. Another concern is which type of electoral system will be used. The United Nations has recommended proportional representation, but this proposal has been heavily disputed. Elissar Mukhtar spoke to Dr Scott Burchill, Lecturer in International Relations at Deakin University in Melbourne.