A road map for the Opposition

By Mufid Abdulla:

Currently the inspiration provided by the opposition forces in the Kurdistan Region fails to match the aspirations of the mass of the people.

Corruption, instead of being eradicated – as promised by the KDP and the President of Kurdistan – has become an integral part of Kurdish society and it holds considerable sway over the lives of the people. During the last three years, despite the advances made by the opposition – which has gained prominence in the theatre of Kurdish politics – the overall situation has changed but little.

The first issue is whether this shortfall in our expectations is mainly due to a lack of unity by the opposition forces. The second relates to the ‘ruling forces and their resources’: The two ruling parties are so dominant in terms of their resources that it is almost impossible for the opposition to match them.

However, it is also clear that the outputs of this opposition movement have deteriorated. We do not understand why groups such as the KIU and the Islamic Movement keep trying to ‘put their fingers into every pie’ rather than maintain a more focused approach.

Further evidence of this emerged when the leader of the KIU changed his mind following his declaration of support last week for the KDP and his accusations of negligence aimed at the Gorran movement. Can anything be done to shake the KDP and PUK, the two brutal forces in Kurdistan which are united in starving democracy and classic economic growth in the south of Kurdistan?

None of these questions can be answered with any certainty at this stage. The opposition’s potential cannot be dismissed easily. Until now the opposition forces have been victimised by the two ruling parties. All three opposition parties have had their offices burnt at one time or another over the last three years in different cities and towns in Kurdistan.

On one level, the main worry is about the challenge to the legitimacy of the Kurdistan Regional Government (KRG). It is hard for people to tolerate historically high levels of inequality during difficult times and while they are confronted with the immoral links between top politicians and corruption.

On another level, all of this re-emphasises the deep roots of the political crisis that started in February 2011. It is easy to underestimate the challenge the opposition have faced in their quest for power. To give just one example, Kurdistan’s two ruling parties are the richest political parties in the Middle East, with an estimated wealth of at least US $10 billion each. This is in stark contrast to the opposition parties, which are financed from a limited KRG budget.

The three opposition forces need a clear road map to save this nation from corruption and further destruction.

Opposition forces need a united platform on several issues such as oil and the budget. In preparation for the general election they should be unified under one list as a matter of urgency.
Opposition forces need to clearly define their targets and aspirations on all issues which are causing the deterioration of Kurdistan economically and politically.
Opposition forces need to elect a shadow cabinet for the future government. It will boost the hopes and confidence of the people to have an alternative government-in-waiting, in case of any upheaval.
The role of the civil organisations must be strengthened.