The United Nations pledges more "technical support" for the elections in Iraq

The United Nations pledges more "technical support" for the elections in Iraq

Said that the Electoral Commission faces major challenges ...

14/01/2018 - 10:53 Iraq



The UN High Electoral Commission for Iraq (IECI) faces major challenges but will be able to overcome these challenges and hold fair, transparent and timely national elections on 12 May 2018. It pledged to continue technical support to ensure a credible, Iraqis, politicians and the international community.

The United Nations pledge to continue support came during a two-day workshop held by the UNHCR in Sulaymaniyah on January 11 and 12 to begin nationwide preparations for elections scheduled for 12 May 2018.

The workshop included specialized topics, including the use of new technologies, comprehensive participation of displaced people, private voting, public awareness and mechanisms for settling electoral disputes.

UNHCR managers in the governorates reviewed their operational and technical requirements and challenges from their local point of view, while the Board of Commissioners and Directors at the national level presented plans, timetables and measures to address challenges from a national perspective. 

They also exchanged views with senior UN officials who attended, including the Deputy Special Representative of the UN Secretary-General for Iraq for Political and Electoral Affairs, Alice Wolbol, and a team of senior representatives of the UNMIS Electoral Assistance Office United Nations Assistance Mission for Iraq (UNAMI).

A statement to UNAMI sent a copy to Bassinioz, the head of the electoral administration of the Commission, Riad Badran, that the Commission is "fully insistent and has the procedural, technical and logistical capabilities to hold elections on time." The head of the Commission, Maen al-Hitawi, expressed similar confidence, pointing out that the Commission has faced difficult tests in the past, "but as a commission we can create the conditions to allow for a successful election." He also urged increased United Nations support and accelerated procedures to meet requests to the United Nations needs assessment mission. 

Highlighting the commitment and support of the United Nations for successful and timely elections, the Deputy Special Representative of the Secretary-General for Iraq for Political and Electoral Affairs said: "Our team of technical experts is still ready to support you." But the responsibility, according to Alice Woolbol, rests with the Commission. Stressing that "your roles will be crucial in providing a professional and credible electoral process, pointing out that Iraqi voters, politicians and the international community look forward to the Commission" The degree of confidence in you (UNHCR) will determine their acceptance of the results of the elections. "She continued," It remains important that the Commission The Independent Electoral Commission is ready to provide a solid and effective process within the current time frames. " 

According to the statement, the Deputy Special Representative expressed her confidence in the Commission despite the great challenges, noting "Iraq's successful record of holding elections under unfavorable conditions in the past, such as the existence of a terrorist advocate in parts of the country in 2014," and stresses the need for Planning all contingencies by conducting a nationwide test of pre-election voting procedures to avoid any minor problems on election day. 

The statement also quoted Director of the Electoral Assistance Office Amir Areen as saying that the United Nations had received requests from the Commission for further technical support, "and we are ready to do so." Adding that one of the challenges in the 2018 election is to ensure a flawless process of electronic counting and results management in a single day for the security of the process, especially software security and the delivery of results.

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