Congratulating Iraq ... UN Secretary-General: Elections Represent Further Progress Towards Building A Stronger Iraqi Democracy

BAGHDAD, IRAQ (NINA) - UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres congratulated the Iraqi people to hold parliamentary elections after defeating Daesh militarily, stressing that the elections represented further progress towards building a stronger Iraqi democracy. In a statement to UNAMI, the Secretary-General praised the efforts of election officials, partys' representatives and security forces to make the elections largely peaceful and organized. He praised all the Iraqis who participated, especially those who voted despite their difficult circumstances. The Secretary-General called on all Iraqi political actors and their supporters to maintain peace while the results are being finalized. The political actors are to resolve any electoral disputes through existing legal channels and complete the electoral process by forming an inclusive government as soon as possible. "The United Nations remains committed to supporting the Iraqi government and people in this endeavor," he said. Iraq saw parliamentary elections for 2018 on Saturday./ End