Baghdad: The United Nations Assistance Mission for Iraq (UNAMI) affirmed that responsible and informed participation in elections is a cornerstone for consolidating democracy and strengthening trust in state institutions, noting that the time has come for an Iraq free from negative practices. In a press conference held on Tuesday, the Special Representative of the UN Secretary-General, Ambassador Mohammad Al-Hassan, stated that the mission visited several polling centers in Baghdad and will continue its visits later in the evening to polling centers in Basra, while UN officials are deployed across other Iraqi provinces to monitor the electoral process.

According to National Iraqi News Agency, Al-Hassan praised the strong voter turnout and the high level of organization demonstrated by the Independent High Electoral Commission (IHEC), describing the day as a ‘democratic celebration’ in which Iraqis freely and responsibly exercise their constitutional right to choose their representatives. He added that the current electoral process is the outcome of more than two decades of cooperation between UNAMI and Iraq, during which 13 national elections have been successfully conducted in line with international standards. He expressed satisfaction with the ongoing elections, emphasizing that they are fully managed by Iraqis, which is a testament to the country’s growing institutional and professional maturity.

Al-Hassan called on all political parties, candidates, and voters to act with integrity and political responsibility, and to respect the procedures established by the IHEC and the judicial mechanisms for handling complaints and appeals, as these are integral to the democratic process. He praised the Iraqi people’s awareness and sense of responsibility, noting that their participation reflects political maturity and a firm belief in democracy. He reiterated the UN’s continued commitment to supporting Iraq in its journey toward a more secure, stable, and prosperous future.

Concluding his remarks, Al-Hassan said: ‘We take pride in what the people of Iraq have achieved. This is your country and your future, safeguard it, preserve it, and work together to build a brighter tomorrow for future generations.’