SG/SM/19031

Secretary-General Hails People of Iraq on ‘Peaceful and Orderly’ Elections, Saying They Represent Further Progress in Building Stronger Democracy

The following statement was issued by the Spokesman for UN Secretary-General António Guterres:

The Secretary-General congratulates the people of Iraq on the holding of parliamentary elections on 12 May.  Following the military defeat of Da’esh, the elections represent further progress in building a stronger Iraqi democracy.

The Secretary-General salutes the tireless efforts of electoral officials, party agents and the security forces in making the elections largely peaceful and orderly.  He commends all Iraqis who took part, in particular those internally displaced persons who cast their ballots despite their difficult conditions.

The Secretary-General calls on all Iraqi political actors and their supporters to uphold peace as the results are processed.  He further urges political actors to resolve any electoral disputes through established legal channels and to complete the electoral process by forming an inclusive Government as soon as possible.

The United Nations remains committed to supporting the Government and people of Iraq in this endeavour.

For information media. Not an official record.