President Salih says elections are a ‘turning point’ for Iraq

ERBIL, Kurdistan Region - Iraq’s President Barham Salih on Sunday said the elections are a “turning point” in the country’s history as it embarks on major reforms. He made his comments during a visit to the electoral commission office in Baghdad.

“The October elections are pivotal and represent a turning point in Iraq,” Salih told reporters at a press conference. “Election day will be a starting point toward reform.”

Iraq will hold parliamentary elections on October 10. There are over 3,200 candidates competing for 329 seats in the parliament. Nine seats are reserved for minorities and there are 67 candidates vying for these spots. At least 25 million Iraqis are eligible to vote, but turnout is expected to be low because of fears of fraud and disillusionment with the political system.

The election is happening a year ahead of schedule after anti-government protests in 2019 brought down the government of former prime minister Adil Abdul-Mahdi.

Salih said measures taken by the commission and the security forces to prevent fraud are “exceptional” and thanked the commission and the United Nations special representative to Iraq for their efforts.

The elections will be monitored by international groups, and both the EU and UN will have large observing teams on the ground.

Head of the United Nations mission in Iraq (UNAMI) Jeanine Hennis-Plasschaert on Saturday said that their team consists of around 800 people including monitors and assistance teams.

Visiting the electoral commission with Salih, she said the October 10 vote has the potential to be different from the 2018 elections, when government formation was delayed for months because of allegations of vote rigging.

The electoral commission has conducted many simulations of the vote as part of their preparations, including a demonstration for Salih and Hennis-Plasschaert.

"We are entrusted with the voices of Iraqis and the simulations represent a level of openness to the public and the international community," Chairman of the Board of Commissioners Jalil Adnan Khalaf said at the press conference.

The commission is hoping to be able to announce results within 24 hours, a suggestion that Salih made in June.

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