Iraqi expats play an important role in the future of the country. Sadly, they are accused of being apathetic of what is happening in Iraq, yet in the election seasons, they become subject to a campaign that discourages them from voting. The justification for boycotting the election is supposed to be a form of protest and a rejection of the current situation.

The truth, however, is that not voting is not a good idea as political science clearly shows. Furthermore, Iraqi expats are as concerned about the situation in their homeland as any other Iraqi and they have, through the elections, the same power to contribute to change as their countrymen and women who are living in Iraq. Here are a few reminders why Iraqi expats should be voting:

1. Vote for peace

Despite its many shortcomings and imperfections, Iraq’s nascent democracy is still a role model in the region. Many say that having an election does not mean there is a democracy. While this is true, the elections and the peaceful transfer of power remains one of the biggest achievements of the New Iraq. Throughout its long history, Iraq has always suffered from fierce and violent struggles. The amount of Iraqi blood that was shed by tyrants over the years in order to stay in power shows how things could turn out without real elections. The period after 2003 is probably the only one where the transfer of power has happened nonviolently. This is a historic feature of Iraq’s democracy that should not be lost, and more importantly not taken for granted. The region is full of sham democracies where strongmen and militaries are the actual rulers of the country. If voting participation is weak, other ‘means’ of change are proposed and attempted to justify, under the argument that the resulting government ‘does not represent the majority of the country’. Therefore, it is important that all Iraqis, including expats, go to vote. You are changing the perception of your country abroad.

2. Vote for stability

While Iraqis have many different reasons why they left their homeland, they still can contribute to stability through voting. By participating in the vote, they are helping to establish a more stable system and make the life of their family members and friends living inside Iraq easier. At the same time, they could be preparing the situation for them on the long-term to return to the homeland, if they have this goal in mind. However, they are also contributing to the stability of the societies they are currently living in, especially if they are living in the West. In previous years it became clear more than ever how the security of the world is interrelated. The instability in Iraq and Syria led to security incidents in Europe and America. By taking part in the elections, you can contribute to security and hence regional stability.

3. Vote for the democratic process

There are many who say they do not want to vote for a specific candidate, because ‘they are all the same’. While this is not true, it is still the choice of voters for which candidate to vote, something that was unthinkable during Saddam’s time. However, posting an empty paper is nevertheless a victory for democracy, because it asserts voting as a democratic tradition and shows how much you respect the process, regardless of the outcome. The longer the lines in front of the polling stations are, the clearer the message that Iraq’s democracy is here to stay. You saw the benefits of democracy. Give your country the same opportunity.

4. Vote to change faces

Furthermore, changing faces in Iraqi politics has become a public demand. There are is a common misconception that Iraqi elections do not achieve that. On the contrary, the re-election for Iraq’s political leaders is actually 25%, way less than what is known in other developed democracies which can reach beyond 80%. Expats, through voting, can give new people the chance to make a difference.

5. Vote for independence

Countries who interfere in Iraq’s internal affairs, especially the formation of its government, feed on indecisive election results. These give them the opportunity they need to intervene as a mediator between the competing opponents and through that increases their influence in the political process. A decisive outcome will allow reducing the need for the interference of these countries and shifting the decision to the Iraqi people, whether living inside or outside the country.

6. Vote to be a role model

One of the reasons why Iraq has had problems with its neighbours since the collapse of Saddam’s regime is the fact that these countries view Iraq’s democracy as a threat to their own systems. This is the reason why they tried hard to contribute to the failure of Iraq’s democratic experience through various means, including anti-Iraq propaganda and terrorism. By voting, you are supporting the continuation of Iraq’s political model that despite its imperfections is still miles ahead of the political systems in the region. The success of democracy in Iraq is real support for democracy in the region.

7. Vote for honour

Iraq paid lots of blood to keep its democracy alive. Starting from the terror activities after 2003 leading all the way to ISIS, the electoral process was always a target for extremists. Victory against ISIS will not be complete without contributing to the success of the political process, and a pillar of that process is the elections. The stories of Iraqis who prevented terrorists from attacking polling stations are many, and the numbers of people who died while trying to vote are significant. All these people sacrificed themselves so that we continue to be able to vote. Therefore, we all should vote, regardless of our choice, and regardless of where we live.