"What we were observing in Iraq on Sunday, as well as preparations preceding the elections, is very far from what true elections are. And even though I am a supporter of elections and of the transfer of power to the people of Iraq, these elections were fake. ... I don't think these elections will be of any use. They may even have a negative impact on the country. Democracy cannot be imposed or strengthened with guns and tanks."

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Added on April 10, 2026
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Original Language: English

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Mikhail Gorbachev, in

https://en.wikiquote.org/wiki/Iraqi_legislative_election%2C_2005