In Iraq, United Nations welcomes efforts to include women in election party lists
16 July 2008 - The United Nations Assistance Mission for Iraq (UNAMI) today said it was encouraged by steps taken to include
protections in a draft election law ensuring that women have the opportunity to serve on governorate councils.
"These efforts by the Council of Representatives are in compliance with international best practice, having Iraqi women
on governorate councils will contribute to the development of a more peaceful and stable Iraq," said Staffan de Mistura,
the Secretary-General's Special Representative.
UNAMI said it intended to offer its support to the Council of Representatives, which plans to meets next week on the
governorate council election law.
The mission called on parliamentarians to reach agreement on the remaining disputed sections so that elections can be
carried out this December.
UNAMI, which is headed by Mr. de Mistura, yesterday congratulated the Independent High Election Commission (IHEC) for
successfully opening 563 voter registration update locations across the war-torn nation.
"The centres provide an opportunity for all Iraqis to verify and update their details so that they are registered to
vote in elections," it said in a press release issued in Baghdad, commending the IHEC, a nine-member independent
electoral authority.
ENDS