The U.S. Ambassador to Baghdad, Matthew Tueller, welcomed the decision to hold early elections in Iraq on Saturday, considering that the option of postponement would plunge the country into a more complicated crisis. In an interview with Al Arabiya/ Al Hadath, he stated that early elections were a fundamental demand of the Iraqi people, and thus, Iraq would be heading towards a significantly troubling path if the electoral process did not take place.
On another note, the ambassador announced that the United States is working to secure energy for Iraq, reducing reliance on Iran. This statement came after the Iraqi Independent High Electoral Commission announced last week that there were 130 international observers across the country to monitor the electoral process and provide support and technical advice. It also revealed that the electoral assistance office of the United Nations Mission in Iraq (UNAMI) is working on finalizing preparations related to monitoring the electoral process.
No Similarity to Afghanistan
Tueller emphasized that there are no similarities between Iraq and Afghanistan. He pointed out that the American mission in Iraq is entirely different from what it is in Afghanistan.
Imperative Date
It is noteworthy that the Independent High Electoral Commission in Iraq announced at the beginning of this month that October 10 would be the imperative date for conducting elections, indicating that the distribution of biometric voter cards would begin in the coming days. Meanwhile, Iraqi Prime Minister Mustafa Al-Kadhimi noted that some are fearful of the outcomes of the early elections in Iraq, indicating that these individuals are attempting to spread despair among citizens. He explained last week that with will, patience, wisdom, and calmness, the way to respond to the negative voices wishing ill for the country is clear, and that these voices aim to create despair and try to question and hinder any achievements made by the government.
