Opinion: Why Do They Use Sistani?

We are all shocked by the edict attributed to Grand Ayatollah Ali al-Sistani to vote for the United Iraqi Alliance. This contradicts his previous announcement that he won't favour one party over another and that he will stay out of political competitions. It is a big mistake to include the highest cleric in electoral battles because that will widen the split and conflict in the country. Sistani is a very important figure representing Iraqi unity. His involvement in the elections game will belittle the great values he built over the past two years, during which time the Iraqi crisis was central to the country's unity and future. Democracy will not exist if an individual influences the people's choices. What is the use of elections if people are asked to vote for a special list? We are not concerned about who will win, but we are extremely concerned about involving the Marjaiya (Shia religious authority) in political conflicts. That will definitely split Iraqis and threaten the future of the country.