UN envoy praises Iraq’s ‘democratic celebration’ as voters head to the polls

BAGHDAD – The United Nations Secretary-General’s representative in Iraq, Mohamed Al Hassan, said Tuesday that U.N. officials were deployed across all governorates to monitor Iraq’s parliamentary elections, expressing satisfaction with the organization and voter turnout.

“We thank you for attending this press conference on this momentous day in Iraq’s democratic journey,” Al Hassan said. “This morning, we had the honor of visiting a number of polling centers in Baghdad. This evening, I will also visit several centers in Basra, while U.N. officials will be present in other governorates to observe and follow up on the voting process.”

“I am pleased to see the turnout and the good organization shown by the Independent High Electoral Commission,” he added. “What I saw today is proof of the significant efforts made by the commission to ensure technical and administrative readiness for conducting organized parliamentary elections.”

The commission said 20,063,773 voters were registered to cast ballots at 8,703 polling centers comprising 39,285 voting stations across Iraq. Voting is scheduled to continue until 6 p.m., when electronic systems will close.

Al Hassan described the day as a “democratic celebration” in which Iraqis “exercise their constitutionally guaranteed right to choose their representatives freely, responsibly, and honestly.” He said the elections reflect “the people’s free will and their commitment to the democratic path toward building a future of greater security, stability, and prosperity.”

He added, “This is a day in which Iraqis reaffirm that the citizen’s voice is the source of legitimacy, and that conscious and responsible participation is the foundation of democracy and trust in institutions — where there is no place for corruption, and no place for favoritism.”

Al Hassan said UNAMI has supported the organization of 13 national elections in Iraq over the past two decades according to international standards. “What we are witnessing today is the result of a long path of cooperation,” he said.

Established in 2003 under UN Security Council Resolution 1500, UNAMI is mandated to support political dialogue, reconciliation, elections, and human rights protections. In May 2024, Prime Minister Mohammed Shia Al-Sudani formally requested that UN Secretary-General António Guterres conclude the UNAMI mission by December 2025. The Security Council adopted Resolution 2732 on May 31, extending the mission’s mandate for a final 19 months. UNAMI is set to end operations on December 31, 2025, except for liquidation activities.

Al Hassan said the success of the elections depends on “all stakeholders — parties, candidates, and voters — demonstrating political responsibility and integrity,” adding, “We are confident that all political (and non-political) actors will maintain a calm and orderly atmosphere that respects the election and the will of the Iraqi people.”

He also emphasized respect for the Independent High Electoral Commission’s procedures and the judicial mechanisms for complaints and appeals. “The people of Iraq deserve appreciation for the awareness and responsibility they showed on this exceptional election day,” he said.

Sunday’s special voting allowed more than 1.3 million security personnel and 26,000 displaced voters to cast their ballots. The commission reported turnout of 82.52%, with more than 235,000 eligible participants abstaining.