UN promotes media cooperation in run-up to Iraqi elections
![An Iraqi woman obtains a vote card. [File Photo]](https://global.unitednations.entermediadb.net/assets/mediadb/services/module/asset/downloads/preset/assets/2009/03/08217/image100x100cropped.jpg "An Iraqi woman obtains a vote card. [File Photo]")
The United Nations Assistance Mission in Iraq (UNAMI) held a round-table meeting in Baghdad on Monday to discuss the role of the media in reporting the country’s forthcoming parliamentary elections.
The United Nations Assistance Mission in Iraq (UNAMI) held a round-table meeting in Baghdad on Monday to discuss the role of the media in reporting the country’s forthcoming parliamentary elections.
“The role of the media is key in ensuring the free and fair dimensions of elections,” said the UN Secretary-General’s Special Representative for Iraq, Ad Melkert, who attended the talks.
“This meeting is an important step in finding the common ground on which to work.”
The meeting was also attended by the heads of the three main Iraqi institutions involved in ensuring responsible, fair and accurate reporting in elections: the Iraqi Media Network (IMN), the Communications and Media Commission (CMC) and the Independent High Electoral Commission (IHEC).
Participants agreed to form a working group, which will be facilitated by the UN, to organize a national workshop on a code of conduct for the media during elections, and to follow up on strengthening common ground between the three institutions.