oday, Wednesday, September 15, 2021, the President of the Republic, Dr. Barham Salih, hosted an expanded meeting that included Prime Minister Mustafa Al-Kazemi, leaders and representatives of political forces, the head and members of the Independent High Electoral Commission and the Special Representative of the Secretary-General of the United Nations in Iraq, Jenin Hennis-Plasschaert.
The meeting witnessed the signing of the electoral conduct document submitted by the Presidency of the Republic regarding the rules that must be adhered to by Iraqi political parties during the electoral process, in order to preserve its peace, integrity and conduct properly. Opportunities, provided that the Code is put up for public discussion and social activities in all governorates in order to consolidate the electoral process.
President Barham Salih said, during the meeting, that these elections are pivotal and historic and are based on a national decision to hold them early in order to overcome the political crisis that the country has witnessed, noting that the electoral process represents a historic and valuable opportunity to evaluate the path, correct the march, and move towards a real reform project that meets the aspirations of Iraqis. Looking forward to a dignified life.
His Excellency pointed out that the electoral code of conduct emphasizes respect for the constitution and legal regulations, creating a safe and stable environment for elections, creating equal opportunities for candidates, adhering to the instructions of the Electoral Commission, and preventing negative phenomena that affect the voter’s decision, from using political money, intimidating citizens, manipulation and others.
The President pointed out that the commitment of the political forces to the Code will contribute to controlling the pace of the electoral process, which will have decisive consequences, pointing out that the Iraqi people are watching us, as well as the international community, and we hope that this responsibility will be fulfilled and that the elections will be a democratic model for the peaceful transfer of power.
President Barham Salih said that the elections are a historic and valuable opportunity, which we hope will be the beginning of correcting the path, correcting the path, and moving towards a real reform project that meets the aspirations of Iraqis and their aspiration for a free and dignified life.
His Excellency thanked the Electoral Commission and its efforts to organize the voting, stressing that supporting its independence is everyone’s responsibility, as well as enabling it to perform its constitutional role in fair elections away from manipulation. The President also appreciated the role of the United Nations mission in supporting the Commission and the electoral process in order to provide appropriate conditions to make it successful.
For his part, Prime Minister Mustafa Al-Kazemi stressed that the electoral code of conduct is an important document that deserves support and attribution, and it is a document of conscience that we must all abide by, noting that the Iraqis have no choice but the elections, and we must deal with their results in good faith, indicating that the government will not biased only to the will of the electorate.
The Prime Minister added that the Electoral Commission played a major role in preparing for the elections, which deserves to be commended, noting that the government has fulfilled all its obligations towards the commission, pointing out the need to deal with the election results, and we all have a responsibility in the public service, and not repeat past mistakes.
Leaders and representatives of political forces also stressed the need to adhere to the electoral code of conduct, to work together to provide a safe and stable electoral environment, to support the Electoral Commission in the success of its mission and to secure the right of voters to choose their representatives freely.
