UN urges Iraqis to vote and ‘consolidate the historic victory’ over IS

The Special Representative of the United Nations Secretary-General for Iraq, Ján Kubiš, on Thursday urged Iraqi voters “to turn out on May 12 in large numbers and vote,” in the first election in the country since the defeat of the Islamic State (IS) late last year.

ERBIL (Kurdistan 24) – The Special Representative of the United Nations Secretary-General for Iraq, Ján Kubiš, on Thursday urged Iraqi voters “to turn out on May 12 in large numbers and vote,” in the first election in the country since the defeat of the Islamic State (IS) late last year.

“Since the last elections four years ago, Iraq faced the worst assault by the terrorist Dae’sh, which has committed untold atrocities,” Kubiš said in a statement released ahead of the weekend. “Today, with Dae’sh’s structures defeated, and the country liberated, it is your opportunity to consolidate this historic victory that was won with the blood of the martyrs and the unity and perseverance of the people, and embark on a new beginning.”

Nearly 7,000 candidates are competing to fill 328 seats in the Iraqi Parliament in Saturday’s elections, which also includes the semi-autonomous Kurdistan Region.

“Failures and disappointment from the crises, mismanagement and corrupt practices of the past should not stand in your way to vote for your better future, for better future of your country,” the UN envoy stressed.

“The sacrifices that were made by all Iraqis must now be translated through the ballots in voting in a good government that will represent the people and through good governance will respond to their aspirations to live in peace, stability, freedom, and dignity.”

Kubiš welcomed the recent call by the top Iraqi Shia cleric, Grand Ayatollah Ali al-Sistani, urging Iraqis to cast their ballot and warning that those who would forgo their right to vote will give others an undisputed opportunity to elect their candidate, whose aspirations might be far from theirs.

The UN official asked all Iraqi citizens, including in the Kurdistan Region, to come together to strengthen a fully sovereign, united, democratic, and federal Iraq.

“The Iraqis have a chance and a collective responsibility to build a nation where all citizens enjoy equal rights and responsibilities, justice and accountability, protection of their human rights under the law, to build a state that will ensure all Internally Displaced Persons return home voluntarily, in safety and dignity, rebuild the towns and villages, reinvigorate the economy through private sector development, fight corruption, waste and sectarian quota-based system of patronage, give women their rightful, equal place in the political, social and economic life, and create jobs for ever younger population of the country.”

He praised security forces in the country for their commitment and vigilance, stating he has full confidence in their ability to ensure the safety of voters, the polls, and the election process.

“Saturday 12 May is your day. Let’s celebrate it by your strong participation in the election as a successful next step in building your democracy, your prosperous future. Major challenges are ahead for Iraq, which require the country to pull together if it is to emerge stronger and fully regain its rightful place in the community of nations,” Kubiš concluded.

Editing by Nadia Riva