Polls 'a devilish plot'

2005-12-12 21:10

Paris - Al-Qaeda's branch in Iraq and four other extremist groups have warned against taking part in Thursday's general elections, branding the polls as a "devilish plot", according to an internet statement posted on Monday.

"What is known as the political process is nothing but a devilish plot like those before it to undermine the mujahedeen (holy warriors), the (Islamic) faith and Prophet Mohammed's teachings," said the statement signed by the al-Taifa Mansura Army.

The group said this unified position had been agreed by itself, Abu Musab al-Zarqawi's al-Qaeda Organisation in the Land of the Two Rivers, and three other groups.

It was not possible to confirm the authenticity of the statement.

The message said the other groups warning on the "Crusader plot" were the Abu Bakr al-Salafiya Brigades, the Battalions of Islamic Jihad and the Brigades of Virtue and Prevention of Vice.

It warned against taking part in the next government or forging any agreement with it regarding the political process.

"Entering the political process, taking part in the elections or voting is against Islamic laws and our constitution the Koran," said the statement.

It vowed that the groups would forge ahead with their jihad (holy war) until they "establish an Islamic state ruled by the Koran and the Sunna (the teachings and practices of the prophet)."

Al-Qaeda's branch in Iraq, headed by Jordanian-born al-Zarqawi, has previously warned against taking part in the first election in January and the referendum on the constitution that was held in October.

Many Sunni Muslims, who are accused of fuelling the insurgency and who had boycotted the first election, have decided to take part in the upcoming elections, which will see Iraqis choose a new 275-member parliament for a full four-year term.

- AFP