NEW YORK — With just 46 days until Iraq goes to the polls, the UN Assistance Mission for the country (UNAMI) is stepping up its communications to inform voters about their conduct, Special Representative Jeanine Hennis-Plasschaert told the Security Council on Wednesday, stressing that it is up to the political parties themselves to refrain from attempts to distort the results.
Briefing Council members for the first time in over a year, Hennis-Plasschaert, who is also the head of the Mission, also called claims that UNAMI is advocating for a postponement of the elections “frankly absurd”.
She urged everyone to “stick to the facts”, focus on their own roles and refrain from using the United Nations as a scapegoat. “Truth, discipline and, yes, courage, are required at this critical juncture,” said the UN official
Misinformation ‘risky business’
If misinformation overtakes reality, “it is not only an enormous energy-drain for those working hard for the greater good of Iraq,” she cautioned. “It is also risky business.”
The UNAMI chief urged media outlets to provide accurate, reliable and timely information, instead of fueling “false perceptions to suit their backers”.
Stressing that Iraq “leads and owns” the Oct. 10 elections, she reminded that their credibility would prove essential for its future.
Elections at hand
Detailing joint efforts, Hennis-Plasschaert said that the Independent High Electoral Commission has reached “several complex milestones” while noting that UNAMI has provided technical assistance wherever it can.
She outlined that candidate lists have been finalized; a ballot lottery conducted for all 83 constituencies; ballot printing is ongoing; and all ballot papers expected in country by mid-September.
Meanwhile, polling and results management systems are being reviewed by an independent audit firm.
In parallel, she said preparations for UN monitoring are moving rapidly, with most members of the preparatory team being deployed to Baghdad “as we speak” and regional teams due on…
