A senior United Nations election expert says plans for holding elections in Iraq next January are progressing well. Karina Perelli, Deputy Director of the UN Electoral Assistance Division, states that the timeline for the Iraqi elections has been implemented, and an independent electoral commission was established last month. According to Ms. Perelli, the level and degree of public trust will determine the level and extent of their participation in the elections. However, she notes that many Iraqis still fear retaliation from their political opponents. In another event, Paul Wolfowitz, the U.S. Deputy Secretary of Defense, met on Wednesday in Baghdad with members of the interim Iraqi government, which is set to take power at the end of June. Officials say Mr. Wolfowitz discussed issues related to Iraq's security and its economic and political progress.
Plans for Holding Elections in Iraq Next Year Are Progressing Well - 2004-06-17
The UN is making progress on plans for Iraq's elections scheduled for January next year, with an independent commission already established. However, public trust remains a concern due to fears of political retaliation. U.S. Deputy Secretary of Defense Paul Wolfowitz is also engaging with the interim Iraqi government regarding security and political issues.
👥 Key Players
📰 What Happened
The UN is making progress on plans for elections in Iraq scheduled for January, with an independent electoral commission already established. However, public trust in the process is low due to fears of political retaliation.
- An independent electoral commission was established last month.
- Public trust is crucial for voter participation in the upcoming elections.
💡 Why It Matters
📚 Background
Following the U.S.-led invasion of Iraq in 2003, the country is in a transitional phase towards establishing a democratic government, with elections seen as a key step.
🏷️ Entities Mentioned
Translated from the original and edited for English readers. View original source →
Translation confidence: 85%