ReliefWeb

On 21 December 2009, the Independent High Electoral Commission (IHEC) for Iraq held a comprehensive symposium for the representatives of various political entities, at Al-Rasheed Hotel, in Iraq's capital, Baghdad. The Chairman of the IHEC Faraj Al-Haydari said, "This meeting was held to address the representatives of political entities and to speak to them about the main pillars of a successful electoral process". Additionally, updating them on the process that follows once the names of nominated candidates are submitted was key, for example the IHEC would need to ensure that the nominees have the credentials, as set by the Commission, to run for the election, checking with the concerned ministries and institutes on their background.

The symposium held under the banner "Towards a common vision for the Success of Election", addressed four major pillars: the legal framework for elections discussed by Commissioner Qassem Al-Abboudi; administrative preparations made for elections discussed by Commissioner Hamdiya Al-Husainy; election anti-fraud measures discussed by Commissioner Amal Alberqader; and elections campaigns discussed by Commissioner Kareem Al-Tamimi. The introductory remarks were made by the Chairman and the entire conference was concluded by a general discussion. On the same day, the Special Representative of the Secretary-General, Mr. Ad Melkert, met with Mr. Faraj Al-Haydari to discuss the latest developments on the preparations underway for holding a national election scheduled for 7 March 2009.

Approximately 70 political entities were represented and 24 news outlets-Iraqi, regional and international-covered the event.