President Discusses with SRSG Jeanine Hennis Plasschaert Draft Electoral Law and Launching National Dialogue to Amend Constitution

President Salih received today at the Presidential Office in Baghdad the Special Representative of the Secretary –General of the United Nations for Iraq Ms. Jeanine Hennis-Plasschaert.

His Excellency Salih and Ms. Jeanine Hennis-Plasschaert discussed the cooperation with UN on reviewing the Electoral system and the Draft Electoral Law to the Council of Representatives, the Law on the governorates and districts councils' elections as well as the Law of the Independent High Electoral Commission(IHEC) which is expected to be finalized as soon as possible by the Presidential team. They also stressed the importance of ensuring logistical support for Iraq's Electoral Commission for the next elections. 

President Salih reviewed the preparations for launching national dialogue project on conducting constitutional amendments that Iraqis and protestors aspire to be as a way to amend the political process in Iraq. He highlighted the importance of protecting the public security and Iraqis' rights to demonstrate peacefully. 

 Ms. Jeanine Hennis-Plasschaert, in turn, asserted UN support for the efforts aiming at holding free and fair elections and providing assistance, advice which aim to boost the work and professional performance of the Independent High Electoral Commission(IHEC). She stressed on the need to safeguard the peaceful demonstrators.