Iraqi Prime Minister Mustafa al-Kadhimi stressed the government's keenness to hold “free and fair” elections that meet the international standards and the aspirations of the Iraqi people.
This came during Kadhimi's discussions with the Special Representative of the UN Secretary-General for Iraq, Jeanine Hennis-Plasschaert, during which the two went over the political and security developments in the country, including preparations for early elections.
A statement issued by Kadhimi’s media office, carried by the Iraqi News Agency (INA), stated that the Prime Minister and Plasschaert discussed cooperation between Iraq and the United Nations, and supporting stability in the country.
The Prime Minister stressed the importance of the UN's role in supporting the Independent High Electoral Commission with the technical and training needs.
He pointed out that the government is keen on holding free and fair elections that meet international standards, avoiding mistakes of previous elections. He stressed his government's determination to ensure logistical support for holding early elections within a safe environment.
The meeting also addressed the recent demonstrations, emphasizing the right to peaceful protests and the need to protect them, as well as the importance of holding perpetrators of violence accountable for their actions.
Kadhimi and Plasschaert also discussed the security situation in Kirkuk and Sinjar and the efforts of the UN Assistance Mission for Iraq (UNAMI) in the governorates.
