Adopted in June 2004, Security Council Resolution 1546 marked a new phase in Iraq's transition and enabled UNAMI to assist in a number of tasks in the political process. Besides endorsing the formation of the Interim Government of Iraq on 30 June 2004, article 7 (a) of the resolution identified the political mandate of the mission which requires the Special Representative of the Secretary General (SRSG), upon the request of the Iraqi Government, to assist in the convening of a national conference to select a Consultative Council, advise and support the Independent Electoral Commission of Iraq (IECI), the Interim Government of Iraq and the Transitional National Assembly on the process of holding elections, the writing of a permanent national constitution by the Iraqi people including a referendum on the constitution, and elections leading to the appointment of a constitutionally elected government by 31 December 2005. Article 7 (b) focuses on the human rights and humanitarian/ reconstruction aspects of the UNAMI mandate.

UNAMI consists of two pillars - political, and reconstruction and development - and a human rights office which is linked to the Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR). The work of the political pillar is carried out by three offices - the political unit, electoral unit and the office for constitutional support (OCS). The Deputy Special Representative of the Secretary General oversees the work of the political pillar on behalf of the Chief of Mission. The political pillar operates out of the mission headquarters in the Baghdad International Zone.

In general the work of the political pillar - particularly the political office - supports the good offices and facilitation role of the SRSG. It also provides support - as required - to the Office of Human Rights and the Reconstruction and Development pillar on the political context and implications of programs and projects. Within the political pillar, support and advise is rendered upon request to the activities of the constitutional and electoral unit.

More particularly, the SRSG and his political team have offered their good offices to facilitate the stabilization and development of Iraq by promoting dialogue and building consensus. Such a role extends beyond Iraq through regular visits of the SRSG and his political team to neighboring countries to further understanding and support for the transition in Iraq.

Initially between April and May 2004, the United Nations assisted in setting up the Independent Electoral Commission of Iraq (IECI) in May 2004. Under SCR 1546 UNAMI assisted in the convening of a national conference in August 2004 including the selection of a Consultative Council.

In late January 2005, elections were held to choose a Transitional National Assembly which would write a permanent constitution. The same elections formed the basis for establishing a Transitional Government and Presidency. The functions of these institutions are determined by the Transitional Administrative Law and relevant directives of the Coalition Provisional Authority which ceased to function upon the formation of the Iraqi Interim Government. The electoral unit of UNAMI assisted and advised the IECI - which bore the main responsibility for the organization and conduct of these elections. Technical assistance was provided on regulatory, logistical, and operational matters including the coordination of international assistance.The SRSG engaged in the political process during this period to encourage the establishment of representative and inclusive institutions.

After the formation of the Transitional National Assembly and based on request for assistance from the Transitional Iraqi Government, UNAMI has provided support and advise to the constitution-making process between May and 15 October 2005 in the following principal areas: Promoting dialogue on core constitutional issues related to the substance and process of constitution-making; knowledge sharing; institutional support through capacity building; media and public outreach; and coordination of international governmental and non-governmental assistance to the constitutional process. The OCS also assisted in media and public education programming prior to the referendum on the constitution and organized the printing of over 3 million copies of the constitutional text. Presently, the Office of Constitutional Support is evaluating its role in the constitutional process, drawing lessons learned and formulating an approach to assist in the review and implementation phase of constitution-making.

In its overall engagement in Iraq, UNAMI has tried to ensure an Iraqi led and owned political process encouraging inclusiveness,transparency and participation at all stages. Security conditions have limited to some extent the political activities of UNAMI. Currently, the political pillar along with the Reconstruction and Development pillar and the Office of Human Rights are updating the UNAMI concept of operations and planning activities for 2006.