Baghdad, 13 September 2015 – During his meeting today with the IHEC Commissioners, the Special Representative of the United Nations Secretary-General for Iraq (SRSG), Mr. Ján Kubiš expressed the United Nations continuing commitment and support in promoting the professionalism, independence and impartiality of Iraq’s electoral institutions.
He also condemned acts of violence targeting IHEC staff and expressed his deepest condolences to the families of several dozens of electoral personnel who lost their lives in attacks perpetrated by ISIL elements.
“We stand together with the IHEC in condemning these cowardly acts against its staff and condole with the families of victims, who died as martyrs”, Mr. Kubiš said.
The SRSG also reiterated the international community’s commitment, following the renewal of UNAMI’s mandate, to support the government of Iraq and the IHEC in preparing credible electoral processes. He also welcomed the progress made so far by the IHEC and the Kurdistan Region of Iraq’s Electoral Commission in clarifying their respective roles and responsibilities which will allow the United Nations to support both IHEC and K-IHEC in a coordinated manner.
“Strong electoral institutions free of political interferences are crucial for sustaining Iraq’s democratic processes and the protection and wellbeing of electoral staff are of paramount importance”, he underlined.