ERBIL, Kurdistan Region of Iraq - The United Nations on Tuesday reaffirmed its technical and advisory support for Iraq’s parliamentary elections, calling on Iraqis to safeguard their democratic gains and exercise their right to vote.

“The United Nations, through UNAMI [the United Nations Assistance Mission for Iraq], stands ready to continue helping Iraq and the Iraqi people and, in this regard, will provide the necessary technical and advisory support during these parliamentary elections. It is a moment of pride for the people of Iraq and the United Nations,” Farhan Haq, Deputy Spokesman for the UN Secretary-General, told The New Region.

“Iraq today is much safer and on a democratic path and we call on the Iraqi people to safeguard the gains and exercise their right to vote in the most peaceful and responsible manner,” he said.

Haq explained that UNAMI provides technical assistance to the Independent High Electoral Commission (IHEC) and other institutions under the UN Security Council resolution 2732.

“UNAMI’s role is technical and advisory, including on legal questions, electoral operations, IT support, and public outreach. UNAMI’s assistance also focuses on enhancing women, youth, minorities, and underrepresented groups' participation as voters and candidates, and ICT support as well as promoting transparency and inclusivity in the electoral process.”

UNAMI chief Mohamed Al Hassan on Tuesday lauded the level of organization in Iraq’s ongoing parliamentary elections, saying that he is “happy” to see the level of public engagement in the voting process.

Over 7,000 polling stations opened across Iraq for more than 20 million eligible voters early Tuesday morning. A total of 7,743 candidates, comprising 5,496 males and 2,247 females, are running for the legislature’s 329 seats.

Polling stations are set to close at 6:00 pm on Tuesday, with results scheduled to be announced within 24 hours of the closure of ballots.