Iraq has been governed by the Coalition Provisional Authority since the April 2003 overthrow of Saddam Hussein and his brutal Ba’athist Regime

GOVERNANCE Iraq has been governed by the Coalition Provisional Authority since the April 2003 overthrow of Saddam Hussein and his brutal Ba’athist Regime. The Coalition operates in close partnership with the Iraqi Interim Governing Council (GC), which was appointed by the Coalition on July 30, 2003. The 25-member Governing Council represents all major strands of Iraqi society and has substantial powers. On September 1, 2003, 25 Interim Ministers were appointed by the Governing Council to run Iraq’s government on a daily basis. The GC and its ministers are consulted on all major policy issues. On April 2nd, 2004 Ambassador approved the first tranche of Deputy Ministers to assist the ministers. On November 15, 2003, a landmark Agreement was reached on a timetable for the restoration of full Iraqi sovereignty, creation of a permanent constitution and the holding of free, national elections. Iraq is currently governed by an interim constitution, the first in the history of the Iraqi Nation and a model for the protection of individual rights across the region. The Transitional Administrative Law (TAL), also available in عربي and كوردي features a bill of rights and provisions to ensure equal treatment under the law, a federal arrangement for Iraq, an independent judiciary, civilian control over security forces, and acknowledges the role of Islam as a source of law in Iraq. The Consolidated Governance Weekly Reports show weekly progress towards its governance goals for Iraq. Supporting Transition to Iraqi Sovereignty According to the Agreement of November 15th, 2003 between the CPA and the Iraqi Governing Council, by June 30, 2004 the new transitional administration will be recognized by the Coalition, and will assume full sovereign powers for governing Iraq. Upon this transfer, the CPA will dissolve . Governing Council Constitutional Development Membership in an International Community Iraq's Democratic Revolution An Op-Ed by Larry Diamond Developing Civic Participation in Governance Develop indigenous polling capacity; Provide women and youth with the skills necessary to become important participants in the political process; Develop local civil society capacity to conduct advocacy and participate in political life; Develop civic education programs promoting electoral participation and democratic ideals; Build capacity for civil society conflict prevention and mitigation Opinion Polls Developing More Accountable and Responsive Local Government Support Organization of Citizens’ Advisory Councils per CPA models, with follow on training in democratic practices, and/or support for interim representative bodies; Develop more accountable and responsive local government; Work with civic groups to encourage participation in local public affairs; Provide basic training for professional budget preparation and transparent financial management Developing Framework and Capacity for Elections Support creation of National Independent Electoral Commission; Promote Scopes of work and Operational Linkages between national, regional, and local level election administration authorities Local Government Supporting Development of Sustainable Political Parties/Associations Support Development of free and independent political associations which represent the efforts of the Iraqi people to come together for common causes and working within a framework of free association and a transparent political system. Promoting Respect for Human Rights Educate on Human Rights Issues; Preserve documentation of past atrocities, raise awareness, and promote reconciliation; Strengthen local capacity to investigate and address past atrocities; Iraqi Special Tribunal (IST) for past atrocities and Iraq Property Claims Commission for property disputes; Human Rights Incorporated into Laws; Develop Role of Independent Human Rights NGOs and Media; Establish a Human Rights Ministry Secretary Powell's Speech at Halabja Mass Graves of Iraq Mass Grave Strategic Plan Promoting Durable Solutions for Refugees and Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs) Facilitate the Return of Refugees and IDPs; Build Local and National Capacity to Protect and assist Refugees and IDPs; Develop and Implement a Process to Resolve Property Disputes Also available are a variety of materials on the basics of democracy .