ERBIL — The United Nations has reiterated its commitment to supporting the Iraqi government and people, commending the citizens for having casted their votes during Sunday's parliamentary elections.
"The Secretary-General commends the women and men of Iraq for their determination to make their voices heard through the ballot box on 10 October. He notes the extensive efforts made by the relevant electoral and security bodies to ensure the largely peaceful conduct of the early parliamentary elections, called for by the people of Iraq in their quest for reform, accountability and a better future," a UN statement said.
The Secretary-General, in the meantime, has urged "all stakeholders to show patience and respect for the electoral timeline while the Independent High Electoral Commission (IHEC) tabulates the results," in efforts to resolve all electoral disputes that could arise through the established legal channels.
"The Secretary-General reaffirms that the United Nations remains fully committed to supporting the Government and people of Iraq," Stéphane Dujarric, Spokesman for the Secretary-General, added.
More than 24 million people in Iraq and the Kurdistan Region were eligible for casting their votes. The polling stations were opened at 7:00 am, Baghdad Time, on Sunday, October 10.