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Frequently Asked Questions
- Why is UNAMI involved in elections in Iraq?
UNAMI was mandated in 2005 by Security Council Resolution 1546 to assist Iraq’s then election commission to implement elections. UNAMI played a significant operational role in the 2005 election events. As of 2007 UNAMI operates under a new Security Council Resolution, 1770, that mandates the UN to advise, support, and assist the Government of Iraq and the Independent High Electoral Commission (IHEC) on the development of processes for holding elections and referenda. UNAMI focuses on capacity and institution building of the IHEC. In addition the IHEC Board of Commissioners has invited UNAMI to provide logistic and technical support, as well as participate in development of the institutional capacity of the commission. Finally the law forming the IHEC states that the IHEC must seek assistance from the UN on the different stages of preparation and conduct of elections and referenda.
- What is the Independent High Electoral Commission?
The Independent High Electoral Commission of Iraq (IHEC) is an independent electoral authority consisting of nine members, who were selected by the Council of Representatives (CoR). The IHEC is a professional body under the supervision of the Council of Representatives. The IHEC is comprised of eight permanent Election Commissioners and one Chief Electoral Officer (CEO). The CEO heads the IHEC Administration and is a non-voting member of the Board of Commissioners. IHEC is comprised of 19 offices in the Governorates (two in Baghdad), a regional office in Kurdistan and a Head Quarters office in Baghdad. - Who will conduct elections in Iraq?
The IHEC, established by the Council of Representatives in May 2007, is responsible for conducting all elections and referendums in Iraq. The IHEC Administration will implement these in accordance with the policies and procedures defined by the IHEC Board of Commissioners. - What is the mandate of the IHEC Board of Commissioners?
The mandate of the IHEC is to administer all elections and referendums in Iraq. In addition the IHEC Board of Commissioners set policy and have the following functions:a. To establish and update a voter registry in collaboration with governorate and regional electoral offices;
b. Regulate the registration and certification of political entities for the purpose of contesting elections;
c. Regulate and certify candidate lists for elections;
d. Accredit election observers and political party agents and media representatives;
e. Adjudicate all electoral complaints and appeals;
f. Certify tally procedures;
g. Declare and certify final results of elections and referenda with the exception of the results of the Council of Representatives elections;
h. Set regulations and instructions preserving fair electoral processes;
i. Certification of the structure of the electoral administration and the appointment of senior posts;
j. Set financial policy of the IHEC.
- What work is UNAMI conducting with the Independent High
Electoral Commission (IHEC)?
UNAMI electoral advisers assist IHEC counterparts in capacity and institution building by disseminating international best practises, facilitating workshops and supporting study visits. UNAMI works closely with Iraqi members of the commission in partnership with other organizations such as UNOPS, UNDP, Scuola Superiore Sant’Anna and IFES. All partners fall under the umbrella of the International Electoral Assistance Team (IEAT) led by UNAMI’s Chief Technical Adviser. The IEAT strives to support processes that enhance the independence, transparency and credibility of the IHEC’s work. - What elections will take place in Iraq?
There is currently no election timetabled for 2008. Note that The Council of Representatives was elected in December 2005 for a four year term. Provincial Councils were elected in January 2005 without a fixed term of office. The Constitution of Iraq states that there should be referendums on disputed territories including Kirkuk taking place by 31 December 2007. Legislation comes into force in April 2008 that will allow referendums on the formation of regions. - What laws govern the elections in Iraq?
Current legislation may have to be amended or re-drafted as it relates to the Transitional Period. New legislation may need to identify key issues such as boundary delimitation of electoral constituencies and the eligibility criteria for voters.
- Who can vote in any future elections?
Legislation or a political consensus will be required to identify exactly who will be eligible to vote in any future elections, including Iraq’s internally displaced persons and Iraqi refugees.
- Will there be any voter registration exercise prior to a
future election?
In the absence of a current and reliable voter registry, the IHEC have begun to convert data from the Public Distribution System into a voter registry. It is likely the IHEC will implement a voter registration update to complement this conversion and update the registry with newly eligible voters. Allowances will likely be made for the registration of internally displaced persons.
- What electoral system will be used in any future elections?
The 2005 elections used closed list proportional representation. There is some dissatisfaction with this system and discussions are ongoing between political blocs. Legislation will be required to identify any change in the electoral system well in advance of an election event.