Ayat Sistani at Najaf meeting calls on followers to vote

By: Ismail Zabeeh

HOLY NAJAF, Iraq: Iraqi politicians said Thursday after a meeting in Holy Najaf with the spiritual leader of Iraq Ayatullah Sayed Ali As-Sistani that the cleric has urged his followers to take part in promised January elections exercising their right to vote.

“Sayed Ali As-Sistani has given instructions that people be informed about the need to exercise their right to vote in upcoming elections and to do so after educating themselves about the process and the candidates,” said Abu Hadi Al-Kaabi, of the Supreme Council for the Islamic Revolution in Iraq (SCIRI) that is led by Sayid Abdul Aziz Al-Hakim, son of Grand Marje of Shiite World Grand Ayatullah Sayed Mohsin Al-Hakim (late).

“They should know that their decision will have an impact on future generations as well as Iraqis now,” said Kaabi.

Wednesday, the party's leader Sayid Abdul Aziz Al-Hakim met with Ayatullah Sistani to discuss the upcoming elections. The Ayatullah talked about his concerns regarding elections.

Kaabi said Hakim had sought Sistani's advice on whether clerics should stand in the polls.

“Sayed Sistani said that they should take part only if there are no other suitable candidates,” said Kaabi.

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