Iraq
Iraqi anti-government protesters confront security forces in the southern city of Basra, on 31 October 2020 (AFP)
ERBIL, Kurdistan Region – France has contributed 1 million euros to a UN-led project supporting Iraq’s Independent High Electoral Commission ahead of the 2021 elections, the United Nations Assistance Mission to Iraq (UNAMI) said on Tuesday.
“The upcoming elections are an opportunity for Iraqis to make their voice heard and this contribution shows the strong and continued support of France to Iraq”, French Ambassador to Iraq Bruno Aubert, said in a press release.
The donation will help deploy UN electoral advisors, according to UNAMI.
In August, Iraqi Prime Minister Mustafa al-Kadhimi announced Iraq would hold elections on June 6, 2021, a year ahead of schedule. Early elections and electoral reform were part of protester demands after demonstrations erupted across central and southern Iraq in October 2019.
“Early elections fulfill a key popular demand on the road to greater stability and democracy in Iraq,” UNAMI said.
"The United Nations is ready to provide support and technical advice as requested by Iraq to ensure free, fair and credible elections that win the public’s trust.”
Iraq’s Foreign Minister Fuad Hussein has said he requested foreign observers from European states to clamp down on fraud and “create confidence” between voters and political parties.
“Iraqis deserve a fair and transparent election process – one that ensures their needs are heard and ultimately met.” the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) Representative in Iraq, Zena Ali Ahmed said in Tuesday’s press release.
UNDP signed the financing agreement with the French Government on behalf of UNAMI to manage the project’s financing and administration.
Iraqi President Barham Salih signed new electoral reforms into law last week.
For the elections, Baghdad agreed to delineate constituencies on the basis of the quota seats of female parliamentarians. New electoral divisions were drawn up for provinces, including Kirkuk and Nineveh.
Iraq has good ties with France. French Foreign minister Jean-Yves Le Drian stressed France’s support for Iraq’s “stability, sovereignty and integrity” during Kadhimi’s visit to Paris in October.
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