International observers prepare for Iraq's elections
Hundreds of international observers are gearing up for the legislative elections in Iraq on Oct. 10 in an attempt to help Iraqis conduct transparent and fair elections.
With Iraq's general elections quickly approaching in October, the country has invited international observers to ensure transparency and trust in the vote.
Judge Jaleel Adnan Khalaf, head of the Commissioners Council in Iraq’s Independent High Electoral Commission, announced Aug. 29 he had invited more than 75 countries and international organizations to observe the elections slated for Oct. 10. The elections, which were called early by Prime Minister Mustafa al-Kadhimi in response to mass anti-government demonstrations in 2019, had initially been slated for June but were pushed back to allow more time to prepare.
“By inviting international observation missions, we aim to send a message of reassurance to the Iraqis and the international community regarding the elections,” Khalaf said.
During his meeting with a group of Arab and foreign media delegations on Aug. 26, Kadhimi affirmed, “The upcoming legislative elections will be fateful and decisive.” His choice of language reflects the critical importance these elections hold.
