Fourteen Kurdish, Christian, and Turkmen parties signed the document in the presence of the UN’s representative in the country Jan Kubis.
“The credibility of the democratic process lies in the integrity of the electoral process. Thus, an effective Charter of Honour is essential to conducting the elections in a free, fair, impartial, transparent and credible manner,” said Kubis.
He urged the authorities to provide a safe campaign environment and for parties to respect law and order.
The only party from the Kurdistan Region running in the Iraqi elections that did not sign the charter is the New Generation – a new party on the scene headed by former businessman Shaswar Abdulwahid.
Political parties in the rest of Iraq signed the document last month.
While in Erbil, Kubis met with KRG Prime Minister Nechirvan Barzani. The two discussed a range of issues, including the elections and relations between Erbil and Baghdad.
Elections an ‘opportunity’ for Mosul
The day before the UN representative visited Mosul where he said the elections are an “opportunity for the people to elect representatives that will work for the people’s interests, will work to rebuild trust, peaceful coexistence and future in safety, dignity and prosperity for the people of Nineveh, for the multitude of its ethnic and religious groups, and for united Iraq,” according to a statement from his office.
Sunni politicians have voiced concern that eligible voters among the 2.1 million displaced Iraqis may face problems casting their ballots.
Kubis urged Nineveh officials to ensure voter cards were distributed to the province’s displaced population and to provide security so that voters can go to the polls freely and safely.
He also visited the heavily damaged Old City and the al-Hadba minaret that ISIS blew up during the offensive to regain the city.
Photo: UNAMI
UNESCO is assisting Iraqi authorities to rebuild the beloved landmark.
In the city, Kubis announced the UN will open an office in Mosul within the next year.
