The position of Iraqi representatives on the establishment of political parties 1946-1958

Section: بحث
Issue
Vol. 56 No. 104 (2026): No.104
Pages
87-97

Keywords:

حزب الشعب, National Democratic Party, Liberal Party, National Union Party, People's Party

Abstract

After the end of World War II, the Regent of Iraq delivered a speech on December 27th 1945, calling for the revival of democratic life through the restoration of the freedom to establish political parties. In this context, he stressed the importance of supporting the democratic freedoms as a fundamental pillar for building a stable and balanced political system. So, this period, specifically during the second term of Tawfeeq Al-Suwaidi's cabinet, witnessed the government endorsement to establish five political parties, namely:


The Independence Party, the National Democratic Party, the Free Men's Party, the National Union Party and the People's Party.A number of parliament members played a vital role in supporting this step and demanding the strengthening of partisan life, as they believed that the parties represent the voice of the people and they enhance political contribution. Nevertheless, the freedom parties enjoyed did not last for long, as the government, soon, imposed stringent restrictions, particularly, after the declaration of martial law in 1948, which resulted in the parties’ headquarters were closed along with the newspapers in addition to that the political leaders were arrested.Attitudes within political circles varied regarding the role of parties; while some saw them as a necessity for strengthening democracy, others considered them as a potential threat against the political stability or as a tool that can be exploited to consolidate government authority. This divergence was further evidenced by the resignations and withdrawals of party members, who confronted unconcealed governmental interference and electoral fraud during the election procedures.

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Authors

Zainab Mohammad Hasan Hasan

Department of History / College of Arts / University of Mosul/ Mosul- Iraq

Luma Abdul Aziz Mustafa Mustafa

Department of History / College of Arts / University of Mosul/ Mosul- Iraq

Identifiers

DOI: 10.33899/radab.v56i104.61685

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The position of Iraqi representatives on the establishment of political parties 1946-1958. (2026). اداب الرافدین, 56(104), 87-97. https://doi.org/10.33899/radab.v56i104.61685
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How to Cite

The position of Iraqi representatives on the establishment of political parties 1946-1958. (2026). اداب الرافدین, 56(104), 87-97. https://doi.org/10.33899/radab.v56i104.61685