UNSC congratulates Iraq for “successful” elections

**Shilo** Thu Apr 01, 2010 7:00 am

March 31, 2010

UNITED NATIONS, March 31 (KUNA) — The Security Council on Wednesday welcomed the announcement earlier this week by the Independent High Electoral Commission (IHEC) of Iraq of the provisional results of the Iraqi Parliamentary elections, looking forward to their certification by the Iraqi Supreme Court, and urged the political entities to respect the choice of the Iraqi people.

In a statement issued to the press by the council current President Emmanuel Issoze-Ngondet of Gabon, the council members congratulated the Iraqi people and government, including the Iraqi Security Forces and IHEC for holding this “successful election.” They called for the political entities to respect the certified election results and the choices of the Iraqi people and urged Iraq’s political leaders to avoid inflammatory rhetoric and actions. They also looked forward to the formation of the new government in a spirit of cooperation and respect for national unity.

They expressed their support for IHEC’s work, particularly its established mechanisms to ensure all political entities can register complaints and appeals in accordance with IHEC procedures and Iraqi law. They also commended the United Nations Assistance Mission for Iraq (UNAMI) and the role played by the Secretary-General’s Special Representative for Iraq, Ad Melkert, for providing technical assistance and support throughout the electoral process.

They recognized the assistance provided by Iraqi domestic observers and civil society organizations and by the international community, including the European Union, Arab League, Organization of the Islamic Conference, as well as the support of UN Member States in providing electoral assistance and observation missions.

They also took note of the findings of these international and independent Iraqi observers, who affirmed their “confidence in the overall integrity” of the election.

Preliminary results of March 7 parliamentary election showed that Iraqi former Prime Minister Iyad Allawi’s secular bloc won two seats more than his challenger incumbent Prime Minister Nuri al-Maliki’s State of Law Alliance.
While Al-Maliki challenged the results, Allawi pledged to “work with all sides” to form a new government.