The SRSG welcomes the proper conduct of the recount process

The Electoral Judicial Panel ordered the Independent High Electoral Commission (IHEC) to conduct a manual recount of all ballots cast in the Baghdad governorate and to announce the results of this count, based on an appeal submitted by the State of Law Coalition relating to the election results. “The manual recount represented a legal right to deal with complaints and thus has affirmed the legitimacy of the elections”, the SRSG noted.

He commended the work of the IHEC to ensure the integrity of the process, as well as the Commission’s efforts to conduct the recount in a well organized, professional and transparent manner, and expressed UNAMI’s pride to have supported those efforts.

While acknowledging that the recount results must still be ratified by the Federal Supreme Court, after decisions on all complaints and appeals are taken, Mr. Melkert called on all parties to engage now, without delay, in serious interaction so as to give immediate priority to the formation of the new government.