Underfunded Iraqi parties fight to be heard*

[jswordy]

BAGHDAD, Iraq -- The National Democratic Party in Iraq has fought for six decades against various tyrannical regimes.

It has presented a grass-roots democratic vision of a tolerant, unified country.

It has leaders who stuck it out here instead of fleeing into exile.

It also has virtually no chance when citizens go to the polls Jan. 30 to elect a 275-member National Assembly that will shape the new government.

The National Democratic Party is among countless groups fighting to be heard in Iraq's largely unregulated political system, which now includes 111 parties, coalitions and individuals on the ballot.

Frustrations among underfunded groups like the National Democratic Party run in sharp contrast to emerging parties such as Prime Minister Ayad Allawi's coalition, called Iraqi List, and the United Iraqi Alliance.

Allawi's party and the alliance, both led by former exiles with ample resources, are flooding the airwaves with commercials. Analysts expect both groups will see huge triumphs at the polls.

"There's no doubt that money for media is going to play heavily in this election," said a senior U.S. diplomat, speaking on condition of anonymity.

http://www.newhousenews.com/archive/daragahi012005.html

*Note: This story, filed yesterday by Newhouse News Service, may techinally violate the "12 hours old" rule for posting here, but it was filed for use in TODAY'S newspapers.

[purduejake]

1. Hmmm... so who is getting funding from us for their campaign?