Hakim Outlines Key Themes in Opening Speech of Election Campaign
According to the English section of webangah News Agency, quoting the National Wisdom Movement’s official website, Ammar al-Hakim, head of Iraq’s National Wisdom Movement, declared in his speech at the start of their election campaign: “We seek a moderate Iraq-an iraq that respects the identity of its majority because it is a homeland for all. No individual or group can claim dignity without upholding everyone’s dignity.”
He added: “Today’s statement marks not only the launch of our coalition’s electoral campaign but also reaffirms our commitment to loyalty toward Iraq and its people. We honor those who sacrificed their lives defending the foundations of our current political system by fighting corruption, preventing wasted opportunities, and combating unemployment. We will never allow tyranny or dictatorship to return under any pretext or circumstance.”
Al-Hakim announced that their electoral slogan is “Don’t Miss Opportunities.” He addressed critics who claim that followers of Ahl al-Bayt lack legitimacy to govern in Iraq and that their opportunity for leadership has passed. He responded candidly: “If it were not for the awareness, cohesion, and wisdom within this majority group as 2003-the year this system was established-it would not have endured until today nor reached an electoral stage involving everyone.”
He stressed: “Without their awareness, dedication, and patience-our goverment would have fallen; we would not have prevailed over terrorism; we could not have resisted bombings, ISIS attacks or sedition. Through unity among Shiites and Sunnis; arabs and Kurds; Turkmens; Muslims; Christians; Sabians; and Yazidis-Iraq has become a strong nation.”
Continuing his address on behalf of his movement’s platform built on four pillars-reform, construction, reconstruction-Hakim outlined key priorities: consolidating political stability in Iraq; financial and economic reform; improving critical infrastructure; building strong international and regional alliances based on respect for Iraqi sovereignty as well as national interests following Islamic-Arab principles-and establishing security along with peace in the region.
He declared: ”We will never allow Iraq to become a battleground for others’ conflicts but rather transform it into land worthy of pride for its people. Our decision is sovereignly Iraqi despite severe pressures or challenges ahead. Our vision sees Iraq as both a bridge connecting parties-and home to dialog-not an arena for conflict nor escalation.”
Touching upon relations with Arab countries neighbors he said: “We continuously strive alongside our Arab brothers to build friendships while strengthening ties with neighboring states through balanced dialogue with Iran… Turkey…and other regional powers-as well as opening channels with United states… Europe… Russia…and China-to safeguard Iraqi interests protect sovereignty ensure future stability.”
The leader emphasized: “Iraq holds power through balance-it must act naturally as a point connecting rather than clashing forces. Therefore we consistently advocate direct talks between major regional players.”
Concluding his remarks Hakim expressed confidence that “Iraq can serve as ground for meetings-not battlefields-a genuine friendship opening doors to dialogue while closing doors on discord.” He stated firmly:”Our compass guiding all interactions remains safeguarding Iraq’s supreme national interests-whoever aligns closer with these interests earns our support-and whoever strays must face distance from us.”
