UN chief urges swift, peaceful government formation after Iraq’s elections
BAGHDAD — United Nations Secretary-General António Guterres called for a timely and peaceful government formation process following Iraq’s Nov. 11 parliamentary elections, congratulating the Iraqi people and the Independent High Electoral Commission for what he described as a successfully organized vote, his spokesperson Stéphane Dujarric said Tuesday.
Guterres welcomed the “generally calm and orderly conduct of the polls” and expressed confidence that political stakeholders “will maintain the spirit of peace and respect for the electoral process as results are awaited.”
He reaffirmed “the importance of a timely and peaceful government formation process that reflects the will of the Iraqi people and addresses their aspirations for stability and development.”
The elections drew more than 13 million voters across Iraq’s 18 constituencies, with overall turnout exceeding 55%, according to the commission. Polling took place at more than 8,700 centers and 39,000 individual stations staffed by over 235,000 workers.
The general vote followed a special ballot on November 9 for members of the armed forces and displaced persons, which saw participation rates of 82% among security personnel and 77% among displaced voters.
Full statement:
Statement Attributable to the Spokesperson for the Secretary-General – on Iraq
Delivered by Stéphane Dujarric, Spokesman for the Secretary-General
The Secretary-General congratulates the people of Iraq on the holding of parliamentary elections today (11 November) and the Independent High Electoral Commission (IHEC) for its efforts in ensuring the effective preparation and conduct of the election.
The Secretary-General welcomes the generally calm and orderly conduct of the polls and trusts that political stakeholders will maintain the spirit of peace and respect for the electoral process as results are awaited. He further emphasizes the importance of a timely and peaceful government formation process that reflects the will of the Iraqi people and addresses their aspirations for stability and development.
The Secretary-General reaffirms the United Nations’ commitment to supporting Iraq on its journey toward consolidating democratic gains and fulfilling the aspirations of all Iraqis for a peaceful and prosperous future.
As the United Nations Assistance Mission for Iraq (UNAMI) nears the end of its mandate, the Secretary-General also wishes to express his appreciation for the Mission’s long-standing partnership with Iraq’s electoral institutions and the conclusion of over two decades of UNAMI’s electoral assistance.
11 November 2025
New York UN