Press Statement United Nations Assistance Mission for Iraq (UNAMI) Office of the Special Representative of the Secretary General

This morning, we had the honor of visiting a number of polling centers in Baghdad, and in the evening, I will also visit a number of polling centers in Basra. UNAMI officials will be deployed to all Iraqi governorates to view and follow up on the progress of the voting process in polling centers. I am pleased to see this turnout of voters, and the good organization demonstrated by the Independent High Electoral Commission (IHEC). What I have seen today is evidence of the great efforts made by the Commission to ensure the technical and administrative readiness to hold orderly parliamentary elections.

Today, is a democratic milestone in which the Iraqi people celebrate the exercise of their constitutionally guaranteed right to choose their representatives freely, responsibly and honestly, in a scene that embodies their free will and their adherence to the democratic choice towards building a more secure, stable and prosperous future, in order to build an Iraq for all, an Iraq of pride and dignity. It is a day in which Iraqis reaffirm that the voice of the citizen is the source of legitimacy, and that conscious and responsible participation is the basis for consolidating democracy and strengthening trust in institutions, where there is no space for corruption, and no place for nepotism. It is the time for an Iraq free of negative phenomena.

For more than two decades, UNAMI has successfully contributed to the organization of several national elections (thirteen electoral processes), in accordance with international standards. What we are witnessing today is the fruit of this long process of cooperation, and a testament to the considerable progress that Iraq has made in developing its electoral and democratic institutions. We are satisfied with the electoral process currently under way. The important thing is that with God's help, this electoral process is conducted, managed and implemented by Iraqis. It is the fruit of years of institutional and professional development.

The success of the elections requires a spirit of political responsibility and honesty by all parties concerned – parties, candidates and voters. We are confident that all political (and non-political) parties will maintain a calm and orderly atmosphere that respects the electoral process and respects Iraqi citizens and their will. We also stress the importance of respecting the procedures adopted by IHEC and the judicial mechanisms for the consideration of complaints, appeals and other related matters, as part of the democratic process. The people of Iraq deserve appreciation for the awareness and responsibility they showed on this remarkable election day, during which Iraqis express their independent will in a stable and secure atmosphere, reflecting their political maturity and belief in the democratic path.

The United Nations Stands by Iraq – as it always did – and supports its path towards a more secure, stable and prosperous future, where every citizen can make his voice heard and achieve his ambitions and aspirations with freedom, responsibility and honesty. In conclusion, I would like to reiterate our pride in what the people of Iraq have done: this is your country, this is your future. We call on you to preserve, safeguard and cherish it. We also encourage you to chart a bright future for future generations.

Thank you.