WASHINGTON, Feb 13 (AFP) - Prominent Sunni leader Adnan Pachachi declared Sunday that he was "disappointed" with Sunday`s official ballot tally in Iraq, saying that low Sunni turnout across the country left that segment of the country`s population "disenfranchised."
"We were disappointed, naturally, because of the very small, low turnout in many areas. It made it impossible for us to be represented on the national assembly," Pachachi, a former member of the Iraqi Governing Council, told CNN television.
"I still say that the elections were a good thing. They are an important step forward in establishing democracy in Iraq," he said adding, "I do not question the legitimacy of the elections."
Still, he added, "it`s unfortunate that large areas of Iraq and large segments of the Iraqi population were disenfranchised."
He said he hoped Sunnis would find a way to be politically active in Iraq despite their marginal participation in last month`s election.
"I took the initiative of calling for the political parties that did not take part in the election to be invited to share with other members of the national assembly in writing the constitution," he said.
"That initiative was well-received by all concerned, including those that have a majority in the national assembly."
He added: "If we have the constitutional process move smoothly, then we can look forward to a much more inclusive election next December, in which I hope that all parts of Iraq will participate and all segments of the Iraqi population will also vote."
02/13/2005 19:24 GMT - AFP