Plasschaert: I Briefed The Security Council On The Iraqi Elections

Baghdad / NINA / - The United Nations representative in Iraq, Jeanine Plasschaert, said that she briefed the Security Council on the Iraqi elections. She added in a press conference today: In short, we want fair, just and transparent elections. She made it clear that no one wants a repeat of the events of 2018. She indicated that the United Nations will be an effective partner for the Iraqis, and our technical advisors support the Independent High Electoral Commission (IHEC) in several technical and security fields. She added that the general goal of the United Nations to support the Iraqi elections is to hold credible elections She indicated that a new electoral system has been put in place and that Iraqis will vote for individual candidates and not only for political parties, and there is an independent auditing company to monitor the election results. Plasschaert stated that in order to prevent fraud, the results will be announced as soon as possible. There are 130 security experts who will monitor the polls, accompanied by 600 technical observers with the commission, and that the number of the UN mission's staff who will follow up on the election process is double what it was in 2018. She said that "we must all refrain from attempts to buy off voters, manipulate the results, pressure individuals, or threaten to cut salaries." She explained in a press conference today that the United Nations supports all efforts to ensure the integrity of the elections and to enhance the political participation of women in them, as well as special segments of people with disabilities and displaced persons. Plasschaert confirmed that the representation of women is an attempt to be in high positions. She said in a press conference that there are fears of sending a woman to head the mission in Iraq, but the matter has passed. She added, "If there is a woman president in Iraq, we welcome that, calling on the political blocs to make room for women's participation." She stressed that the government is serious about holding the elections on time, and there is no delay. She said the United Nations believes that the upcoming elections will be different. She added that: "Phones and cameras will not be allowed during the voting process, adding that the elections will provide the new generation with an opportunity to hear their voices." She added, "We will continue to provide advice for the success of the upcoming elections, adding that our goal is to support the authorities to hold credible elections in Iraq." She said the elections are a first step and a long road to forming the next government. Plasschaert said in a press conference today that there are ongoing investigations into the penetration of voting systems, but we do not have evidence currently, and we are monitoring these parties and investigations are ongoing. She added that the process of intimidation of voters must stop and we are monitoring all matters. She indicated that these elections have the ability to change the events of 2018. Plasschaert confirmed that UNAMI will continue to provide assistance even after the elections and announcing their results. In a press conference on the elections, Plasschaert said, in answer to the NINA's question: "There is no specific limit for going to the polls, complaints and appeals will be legally evaluated," She continued, "We provide assistance after the elections and the announcement of their results," adding "we will take many important steps even after the elections and the formation of the government."/ End