I. Introduction
In paragraph 6 of its resolution 2110 (2013) , the Security Council requested me to report to it every four months on progress made towards fulfilling the mandate of the United Nations Assistance Mission for Iraq (UNAMI). The present report covers key political and security devel opments related to Iraq and provides an update on the activities of the United Nations in Iraq since the issuance of my report dated 14 March 2014 (S/2014/190 ).
II. Summary of key political developments pertaining to Iraq
Internal developments
Since my previous report, the already precarious security situation in Iraq took a dramatic turn for the worse when the Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant, also known as the Islamic State of Iraq and Al S ham (ISIS) and other armed elements took control of key cities and infrastructure in Iraq’s north - western and north - central governorates, in particular in Ninewa, Salah al - Din, Anbar and Diyalah provinces, causing significant civilian casualties and displa cement and raising serious human rights concerns. The rapid deterioration in the security situation came on the heels of the Council of Representatives elections on 30 April. The negotiations on the formation of a new Government are ongoing.
Political situation
Political actors demonstrated enthusiasm about taking part in the electoral process despite a marked fragmentation of some of Iraq’s main coalitions. A total of 9,043 registered candidates from 107 political entities and coalitions stood for the 328 seats in the Council of Representatives, compared with more than 6,000 candidates from 86 political entities and coalitions who stood for 325 seats in 2010.
The last week of electoral campaigning, covering the period from 1 to 29 April, was marred by intimidations and attacks on some candidates and campaign events, including a complex attack targeting a political rally in Baghdad on 25 April, which killed 35 and wounded 102.