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24/02/2004
Iraq elections could be held by end of 2004: UN
Democratic elections in Iraq will not be held before the June 30 deadline, but could go ahead by the end of this year or the beginning of 2005, according to the UN.
Lakhdar Brahimi, Secretary-General Kofi Annan's Special Advisor, published his report yesterday which concluded that certain conditions needed to be met, including a legal framework for the process.
While in Iraq, the UN team met with a range of Iraqi stakeholders and was told that political agreement on a legal framework for the balloting could be secured by May. If this is the case, and if other conditions are met, the team concluded that "elections could be held by the end of 2004 or shortly after".
The report recommends setting up an Iraqi Electoral Commission to start working immediately towards a process that would result in polling "as soon as possible".
In an agreement reached last November, the CPA and the Governing Council envisaged regional caucuses to choose members of a transitional national assembly, but the UN team found that the caucus-style system "does not appear to enjoy sufficient support among Iraqis to be a viable option".
Regarding the transfer of sovereignty, the team said the UN would be willing to help in building consensus on the specific powers, structure and composition of a provisional governance body and the process for its establishment, and could provide advisory services and technical assistance for the electoral process.
(gmcg)
Lakhdar Brahimi, Secretary-General Kofi Annan's Special Advisor, published his report yesterday which concluded that certain conditions needed to be met, including a legal framework for the process.
While in Iraq, the UN team met with a range of Iraqi stakeholders and was told that political agreement on a legal framework for the balloting could be secured by May. If this is the case, and if other conditions are met, the team concluded that "elections could be held by the end of 2004 or shortly after".
The report recommends setting up an Iraqi Electoral Commission to start working immediately towards a process that would result in polling "as soon as possible".
In an agreement reached last November, the CPA and the Governing Council envisaged regional caucuses to choose members of a transitional national assembly, but the UN team found that the caucus-style system "does not appear to enjoy sufficient support among Iraqis to be a viable option".
Regarding the transfer of sovereignty, the team said the UN would be willing to help in building consensus on the specific powers, structure and composition of a provisional governance body and the process for its establishment, and could provide advisory services and technical assistance for the electoral process.
(gmcg)
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Northern Ireland WeatherToday:It will be cloudy again throughout the day. Mainly dry in the morning, but patchy drizzle in places, becoming more widespread and persistent in the afternoon. Freshening southwesterly winds. Maximum temperature 12 °C.Tonight:Cloudy with a spell of heavy rain pushing south through late evening and the early hours, followed by some clear spells. Minimum temperature 6 °C.
