Iraq: top UN envoy discusses upcoming polls with senior religious leaders

The top United Nations envoy to Iraq has discussed next January’s Iraqi elections with Grand Ayatollah Sayyed Ali Al-Sistani and other senior religious officials in the holy city of Najaf.

During the talks on 4 October, both Ad Melkert, the Secretary-General’s Special Representative, and Grand Ayatollah Al-Sistani raised the issue of pending electoral legislation, according to a news release issued by the UN Assistance Mission for Iraq (UNAMI).

Mr. Melkert underscored the urgent need for the Council of Representatives to pass the Election Law, while Grand Ayatollah Al-Sistani expressed his strong support for the electoral process and for broad participation in next year’s parliamentary elections.

The Special Representative, who also heads UNAMI, told the religious leaders of how the mission has stepped up its work in the political, humanitarian and human rights fields.

Last month, he welcomed what he described as growing confidence in the electoral process in Iraq, giving his backing to the voter registration process ahead of the polls.

“The importance of next January’s elections for the future of Iraq cannot be overstated,” Mr. Melkert said in remarks at a voter registration centre at Omar Mukhtar Secondary School in the capital, Baghdad.

“The number of people taking part in the registration update is an indicator of the growing confidence in the electoral process and the will of the Iraqi people to rebuild their country.”