Iraqi President Barham Salih asserted the importance of the upcoming elections, saying they are critical and important, amid calls for boycotting the polls scheduled for October over a wave of assassinations targeting activists.
Salih aims to reduce tension to ensure the success of the elections, as the only way to achieve stability and prosperity, and launch the reconstruction and development process, a presidential source told Asharq Al-Awsat.
On Wednesday, the president discussed with Prime Minister Mustafa Kadhimi the importance of improving security bodies to enforce the law and achieve stability and peace in the country.
The two leaders also agreed that during the elections, certain measures should be taken to ensure voters are free to choose their own representatives without suspicion of fraud, manipulation, or pressure.
The president also met with the Secretary of the Central Committee of the Iraqi Communist Party (ICP), Raid Fahmi, and discussed with him the latest developments.
He stated that the upcoming election is “important and critical” and the only way to implement reforms, and build a strong, capable, and sovereign state as well as finding a solution to illegitimate weapons.
The president rejected the assassinations and intimidation of protestors, activists, and journalists.
Salih emphasized that within his powers, he works to ensure that the country's next election will be fair and free, urging all state institutions, political parties, and civil society to cooperate for the success of the polls.
Electoral fraud or manipulation can have a negative effect on everyone, so the free will of the Iraqis should prevail to determine and to shape the future of the people, he indicated.
