PM calls for “free, fair” local elections

BAGHDAD / IraqiNews.com: Iraqi Prime Minister Nour al-Maliki on Monday called for “free and fair” provincial council elections, which are scheduled to take place late January 2009. “On Monday, the premier received in his Baghdad-based office several members of the Independent High Electoral Commission (IHEC), as well as the chairman and members of the High Security Committee for Elections,” according to a statement released by Maliki’s office and received by IraqiNews.com. The premier urged the electoral commission to ensure that all candidates meet the essential criteria. SS (P) 1