On Wednesday, Iraqi President Abdul Latif Jamal Rashid launched a national program to support parliamentary elections in Iraq. He revealed the plan during a dialogue session focused on media’s role in election coverage.
President Rashid praised the Independent High Electoral Commission for conducting fair elections, especially in the Kurdistan region. He stated the commission has the proven capacity to manage transparent voting processes across the country.
For over a year, the Presidency has worked to create favorable conditions for parliamentary elections in Iraq. Rashid confirmed holding several meetings with the Independent High Electoral Commission and UNAMI’s representative, Mohammed Al-Hassan. These meetings addressed key challenges and produced collaborative solutions.
Rashid explained that the Presidency remains fully committed to electoral transparency and fairness. He shared that recent presidential meetings included dedicated discussions on election integrity.
These sessions resulted in a six-point agreement signed by Iraq’s presidencies. Officials forwarded the document to the electoral commission for integration into its framework.
Furthermore, Rashid reminded attendees that Iraq has completed six electoral cycles since 2005. Five followed the constitutional framework, while one took place under the State Administration Law. In two months, Iraq will conduct the seventh cycle.
He emphasized that government bodies, independent institutions, and media outlets all share responsibility for the election’s success. Since 2004, Iraq has maintained a peaceful transfer of power. Rashid urged all parties to preserve this democratic tradition.
The President highlighted the country’s current state of security and stability. He called on stakeholders to build on this foundation during the election process.
According to Rashid, parliamentary elections in Iraq offer a critical opportunity to showcase democratic progress.
He also underscored the media’s role in ensuring transparency. Journalists must report honestly, expose violations, and highlight positive developments. Rashid described media as both the state’s conscience and the people’s voice.
Finally, President Rashid announced that the new program will encourage voter turnout through a multi-phase campaign. The initiative begins immediately and will culminate with a televised speech the day before the election.
