Urgent Appeal From the Alliance of Election Monitoring Networks and National Organizations in Iraq.
Baghdad, April 19, 2023
The Alliance of Election Monitoring Networks and National Monitoring Organizations in Iraq directs its message to His Excellency the President of the Republic, the Guardian of the Constitution, the Council of Representatives, the Government, the Supreme Judicial Council, and all state institutions. calling for adherence to Article 102 of the Iraqi Constitution, safeguard the independence of the Independent High Electoral Commission.It is essential to ensure the commission’s ability to carry out its tasks and exercise its powers as outlined in y its law.
The Alliance closely monitors with concern the statements and measures announced recently regarding the Commission, as well as the attempts by certain political entities to reintroduce quota-based power-sharing and control over the Commission and its structures. Additionally,the pressures have resulted in the resignation of the Chairman of the Commission. and there have been indications of amending the Commission’s law, which implies a return to power-sharing within it among political blocs. This would constitute a setback from selecting a Board of Commissioners composed of first-class judges and members of the Council of State, taking us back to square one and raising doubts once again about the mechanisms for selecting the Commissioners and their commitment to the principle of the Commission’s independence.
We appeal to the Council of Representatives as a legislative authority, and to the Council of Ministers as the executive authority, to ensure the independence of the Commission and refrain from any interference contrary to the provisions of the constitution and the law. We also call upon the United Nations to exercise its role in exerting pressure on relevant parties to guarantee the Commission’s performance of its role in Iraq and to prioritize national interests over personal interests. We implore all parties to work towards preserving one of the most important constitutional institutions, transcend factionalism, and moving forward without regression, in service of the nation and its people.
The Alliance of Networks and National Monitoring Organizations for Elections in Iraq
1- Shams Network for Election Monitoring.
2- Al-Eyen Network for Election Monitoring and Democracy.
3- Tummuz Organization Monitory Team.
4- Al-Noor Collective Foundation – Nuraqib Delegation.
5- Freedom Ambassadors Network.
6- Iraqi Minority Alliance Network.
7- South Youth Organization.