Death threats made to Commission member: IHEC statement

ERBIL (Kurdistan 24) – Saeed Kakayi, a member of the Iraqi Independent High Electoral Commission (IHEC), and his family was threatened with murder by “a losing political party,” according to a statement released by the IHEC.

“Kakayi was ordered to choose between resigning and appearing before the media to serve the purposes of that party,” the IHEC statement read.

The Iraqi parliamentary elections took place in a peaceful environment in all provinces, compared to previous elections, even after the Islamic State (IS) had previously threatened to target polling stations.

IS members had attacked an Iraqi forces unit killing six, but the attack’s relation to the election was questioned.

However, immediately after the election, Turkmens began to protest the unofficial results of the polls and gathered around the office of the Electoral Commission.

The protests caused worry for Rebwar Taha, head of the Patriotic Union of Kurdistan (PUK) list in Kirkuk Province, prompting him to call upon Iraqi Prime Minister Haider al-Abadi to send forces to ensure the safety of IHEC staff.

Editing by Karzan Sulaivany