The influence of pressure groups on the individual's electoral decisions in Iraq; An analytical study for an Iraqi sample from the province of Wassit .

Abstract

The present study aims to study the influence of the independent variable; religious, political, economic, and social pressure groups on the dependent variable; the individual's electoral decisions in Iraq through the influencing factors; personal, psychological, social, cultural, and civilizational. The research sample has consisted of 110 Iraqi people in the province of Wassit. The sample has been randomly chosen from various social classes. The data have been analyzed statistically through logistic regression. A set of statistical methods have been used to analyze the data obtained from the scientifically controlled questionnaire using the (SPSS V22) program. The present study has come up with a number of conclusions, including that there are many groups pressing in the Iraqi environment, there is a significant influence for some of the pressure groups through some methods that put pressure on individuals, which is reflected mainly on the electoral decisions of the individuals. The present study has suggested a set of recommendations; these groups should compete through economic, educational, and service programs, the primary purpose should be to serve society, the public interest, and the achievement of social justice. The present study emphasizes the dissemination of electoral awareness of Iraqi electorate for choosing the best, preserving its independence by preventing external interference, and that its work is directed purposefully towards change and reform in the electoral and political system. The present study is divided into four sections; Section one has been devoted to the research methodology. Section two has been devoted to the theoretical framework. The analytical framework has been presented in section three. The present study ends with section four which includes the results and recommendations.