ERBIL, Kurdistan Region - The United Nations Assistance Mission for Iraq (UNAMI) on Monday welcomed Iraq’s decision to extend the term of the electoral commission for another two years.
“UNAMI welcomes the Council of Representatives' endorsement of the Supreme Judicial Council's decision to extend for two years the mandate of the Independent High Electoral Commission (IHEC)'s Board of Commissioners in the Republic of Iraq,” read a statement from the UN agency, whose mission is set to end in Iraq at the end of this year.
The country's Supreme Judicial Council on Wednesday extended the term of the IHEC for two years. It also stated that if the Iraqi parliament has “a different political vision,” it can amend the law related to the IHEC.
Iraq’s parliament on Monday voted to endorse the extension.
This marks the third time the commission mandate has been renewed.
The IHEC supervised the Kurdistan Region’s elections held on October 20. Iraq’s parliamentary election is expected to take place later in the year.
UNAMI also underscored the importance of constitutional obligations and reaffirmed their readiness to work with Iraqi authorities by providing technical assistance to ensure “free, fair, credible, transparent and timely elections.”
