Kobler welcomes peaceful conduct of provincial elections of Iraq

Baghdad (IraqiNews.com) The Special Representative of the United Nations Secretary-General for Iraq (SRSG), Mr. Martin Kobler, congratulates the Iraqi citizens on the peaceful conduct of the Provincial Council elections today.

He commended the work of the Independent High Electoral Commission (IHEC), for its high level of professionalism in conducting the first elections under its full responsibility, as well as the commitment of the thousands of IHEC staff who carried out these elections as planned.

The UN envoy also praised the efforts of the Iraqi Security Forces who provided a peaceful environment for today’s elections.

Mr. Kobler visited polling stations in Baghdad and was particularly pleased that the voting was well-organized, and that polling staff were following procedures. “Credible elections are critical to the country’s stability,” he said.

He also called on the Government of Iraq to schedule the postponed elections in Anbar and Ninewa as soon as possible.