Iraqi speaker of parliament stresses timely elections in talks With UN representative

BAGHDAD — Iraqi Speaker of Parliament Mahmoud Al-Mashhadani met with United Nations representative Mohamed El Hassan on Tuesday, emphasizing the need to hold Iraq’s upcoming national elections on time, currently scheduled for Nov. 11, 2025.

In a statement released by his office, Al-Mashhadani said the elections must proceed as planned, describing them as essential to sustaining Iraq’s political process. The meeting also touched on the broader role of the United Nations in supporting stability and legal accountability in the region.

“The United Nations has appointed qualified international observers to monitor the elections and support their success,” El Hassan said during the meeting, affirming the UN’s role in ensuring electoral transparency.

Full statement from Al-Mashhadani’s office:

Speaker of the Iraqi Parliament, Dr. Mahmoud Al-Mashhadani, received today, Tuesday, the United Nations representative in Iraq, Mr. Mohamed El Hassan.

During the meeting, Speaker Al-Mashhadani emphasized the role of the United Nations in addressing ongoing developments in the region, preventing further conflict, and the importance of preserving international peace and security. He stressed the need for the UN to take action to stop violations committed by the Zionist entity in Iran, Gaza, Syria, and Yemen.

The meeting also addressed the upcoming electoral process and the importance of holding it on schedule. Mr. El Hassan stated that the United Nations has appointed qualified international observers to monitor the elections and support their success.

Human rights issues were also discussed, including the return of displaced and forcibly relocated persons to their homes and the completion of work related to Iraq’s Human Rights Commission. Mr. El Hassan noted that Iraq is a candidate for membership in the United Nations Human Rights Council.

He also expressed admiration for Iraq’s successful democratic experience, stating, “Iraq is now in its best condition,” and praised the role of Parliament and its Speaker in legislating laws and contributing to shaping a new vision for Iraq and its leading regional role rooted in historical depth.