Chaldean Patriarch Sako proposes reforms for Iraq’s Christian representation in upcoming elections

ARBCA’ILO, Kurdistan Region of Iraq — Chaldean Patriarch Cardinal Mar Louis Raphael Sako has presented a proposal for Iraq’s upcoming general elections, focusing on improving Christian representation in the country’s political system.

In a statement titled Chaldean Church’s Appeal on Upcoming Legislative Elections, Sako emphasized the urgency of the approaching elections, noting that only a few months remain before every Iraqi citizen exercises their constitutional right to vote and select their representatives.

The Patriarch called on all citizens, especially Christians, to update their voter registration and obtain their voter cards to ensure full participation in the electoral process. He reaffirmed the deep historical and cultural roots of Iraqi Christians in the country, highlighting their significant sacrifices, even among those who have emigrated.

Criticizing the current representation of Christians as “flawed,” Sako declared that the Christian community will not serve as a tool for any political group’s interests. He urged Shia, Sunni, and Kurdish leaders in the central government to support Christians in reclaiming their rightful representation, role, and rights.

A key element of Sako’s proposal involves restricting voting for the Christian quota seats in parliament to a dedicated Christian voter registry, ensuring that only those who genuinely represent the community’s interests are elected. Currently, Iraq’s Christian quota consists of five parliamentary seats.

This proposal follows an earlier request from political parties within the Athra Alliance, who called for limiting voting for the Christian quota seats to Chaldean–Syriac–Assyrian voters, aimed at ensuring fair and authentic representation for their community in Iraq’s legislature.