SULAIMANI (ESTA) — The European Union on Saturday deplored threats of violence against members of the U.N. Assistance Mission for Iraq (UNAMI) and the Iraqi electoral commission.
“Such violent manifestations have no place in a democracy,” the EU said in a statement.
The EU’s statement came after the U.N. Security Council also denounced threats against the members of the UNAMI, Independent High Electoral Commission (IHEC) and other organizations.
Following the announcement of initial results in Iraq’s October 10 elections, militia groups that failed to secure their seats threatened to respond if the IHEC does not correct the results, accusing the U.N. and UAE of interfering in the elections.
“The EU recalls that voting on election day was largely peaceful, orderly and well-organised, and voters were able to freely express their will,” the European Union said.
The EU deployed an election observation mission to Iraq for the first time to observe Iraq’s parliamentary election.
In the statement, the EU said any elections-related appeal or complaint should be addressed through existing legal procedures.
“It is crucial that all parties use these legal means to address any grievances they may have over the outcome of the polls.”
