Iraqi Views of the Constitution Referendum

On October 15, 2005, Iraqis will vote for the first time on a constitution. Drafted by a parliamentary committee, the document enjoys widespread support among Kurdish and Shia leaders, but Sunni Arab representatives remain largely opposed to the federalist principles that they believe will limit their power. At the same time, secular and moderate Muslims and women’s groups are concerned that Islam will be a source of legislation. IWPR trainee journalist Jamal Penjweny photographed and interviewed eligible voters in ethnically diverse Kirkuk and predominantly Kurdish Sulaimaniyah on their views ahead of the referendum.