IN IRAQ, UN WELCOMES EFFORTS TO INCLUDE WOMEN ....

IN IRAQ, UN WELCOMES EFFORTS TO INCLUDE WOMEN IN ELECTION PARTY LISTS

The United Nations Assistance Mission for Iraq (<"http://www.uniraq.org/newsroom/getarticle.asp?ArticleID=731">UNAMI) today said it was encouraged by steps taken to include protections in a draft election law ensuring that women have the opportunity to serve on governorate councils.


"These efforts by the Council of Representatives are in compliance with international best practice, having Iraqi women on governorate councils will contribute to the development of a more peaceful and stable Iraq," said Staffan de Mistura, the Secretary-General's Special Representative.UNAMI said it intended to offer its support to the Council of Representatives, which plans to meets next week on the governorate council election law.


The mission called on parliamentarians to reach agreement on the remaining disputed sections so that elections can be carried out this December.UNAMI, which is headed by Mr. de Mistura, yesterday congratulated the Independent High Election Commission (IHEC) for successfully opening 563 voter registration update locations across the war-torn nation.


"The centres provide an opportunity for all Iraqis to verify and update their details so that they are registered to vote in elections," it said in a press release issued in Baghdad, commending the IHEC, a nine-member independent electoral authority.