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Jeanine Plasschaert, Special Representative and Head of theUN Assistance Mission for Iraq(UNAMI) said clashes erupted in the weeks following the vote, with demonstrations and sit-ins escalating into violence and casualties reported.

On 7 November, anassassination attemptwas made on Prime Minister Mustafa al-Kadhimi when an exploding drone entered his residence in Baghdads Green Zone.

Describing Iraqs current outlook as precarious, the Special Representative recalled that the October elections themselves emerged from an unprecedented wave ofcountry-wide demonstrationsin 2019.

Marked by violence, excessive use of force, abductions and targeted killings, the protests left hundreds dead and thousands injuried.

The countrys current fragile peace also comes on the heels of decades of conflict, which prevented ordinary civilians from making their voices heard.

A lack of political, economic and social prospects made many, many Iraqis take to the streets, said Ms. Plasschaert. Their demands and grievances remain as relevant as ever.

While turnout for the recently concluded election was just 41 per cent, the vote was generally peaceful and well-run.

There is much for Iraqis to be proud of in this election, said the Special Representative.

On 22 October, the Security Council issued astatementcongratulating the people and Government of Iraq on the smooth conduct of a technically sound election and deploring related threats of violence.

UNAMI had provided technical assistance to the electoral process and warned against the threats of violence andmisinformation.

There is much for Iraqis to be proud of in this election Special RepresentativePlasschaert

Moreover, many experts have noted that the recent election provides fresh hope that Iraqs challenges can be addressed democratically going forward.

The UN official acknowledged that elections and their outcomes can provoke strong feelings, in Iraq or in any democracy across the globe.

While the results may be disappointing to some, she strongly cautioned against allowing civil debate the bedrock of pluralism and political engagement to give way to misinformation, baseless accusations, intimidation or threats of violence.

Under no circumstances must terrorism, violence or any other unlawful acts be allowed to derail Iraqs democratic process, she stressed.

Calling for patience, Ms. Plasschaert said any unlawful attempts to prolong or discredit the electoral results process or worse, to alter the electoral results through intimidation and pressure can only backfire.

I call on all stakeholders not to go down that path, underscored the UNAMI chief.

The importance of a sound and inclusive government formation process cannot be overstated, she concluded.

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Importance of sound, inclusive elections in Iraq 'cannot be overstated' - UN News