Iraqi President Barham Salih meets MPs: Optimal conditions for upcoming elections must be ensured

On Sunday, November 29, 2020, the President of the Republic of Iraq, Barham Salih, held two separate meetings – one with Member of Parliament, Mohammed Shia al-Sudani, and the other with Member of Parliament, Khaled al-Mafraji.

During both meetings, recent developments in politics, the economy and in security-related matters were discussed. The importance of upcoming elections and the need to ensure optimal conditions for a secure and transparent vote were discussed. Elections must be fair and free and there should be no fraud or electoral manipulation, the President said.

During both meetings, President Salih and the MPs also discussed Iraq's economy. They agreed that it was vital to combat corruption and to diversify Iraq's sources of national income so that the country was better equipped to face ongoing challenges presented by the COVID-19 pandemic and the fall in global oil prices. Promoting the private sector and supporting investment in Iraq, thereby providing more job opportunities, would also help the country face those challenges.

Presedent