EU urges fair elections in Iraq, confirms deployment of observers

ERBIL, Kurdistan Region - The European Union on Sunday urged Iraq to ensure its upcoming legislative elections are fair and peaceful, confirming it will be sending independent observers to monitor the process at Baghdad’s request.

“These elections represent a significant moment for Iraq. It is vital that they are peaceful, inclusive, and transparent,” said European Commission Vice President and EU High Representative for Foreign Affairs Kaja Kallas, speaking at a joint press conference with Iraqi Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Fuad Hussein in Luxembourg.

Addressing Hussein directly, Kallas added, “You’ve also requested EU support in the form of independent observers for these elections, which we are now confirming.”

For his part, Foreign Minister Hussein expressed appreciation for the EU’s continued support, highlighting the role of international partnerships in bolstering Iraq’s democratic institutions.

“We are going to have our sixth election in Iraq since the [regime] change in 2003,” he said. “The democratic process has become part of our political culture, with the support of many countries, including the European Union and its member states.”

Iraq is set to hold its legislative elections on November 11.

According to Iraq’s Independent High Electoral Commission (IHEC), a total of 7,768 candidates will compete for 329 parliamentary seats, including nine seats reserved for minorities. The candidates represent 31 political alliances, 38 parties, 23 independents, and 56 minority quota nominees.

Over 39,000 polling stations will be set up across 8,703 centers for the general vote, with an additional 4,501 stations designated for special voting. Displaced persons will cast ballots at 97 polling stations located in and around camps in the Kurdistan Region.

More than 21 million Iraqis are eligible to vote, following a nationwide update of biometric voter registration data.

Importantly, Hussein is visiting Luxembourg to attend the fourth meeting of the EU-Iraq Cooperation Council. The meeting agenda includes discussions on trade, energy, migration, democracy, human rights, and development cooperation.

“We are going to discuss trade ties, economic ties, and also energy, immigration, and security,” Hussein said. “You’re right - we’ve moved beyond just talking about security.”

Kallas echoed the shift in focus, remarking, “For the first time, our focus is moving away from security towards improving public services and economic development … We will also discuss the protection of human rights, which are fundamental to our relationship.”

Rekar Aziz contributed to this report.