Written question asked by Tam Dalyell (Labour) on Thursday, 20 January 2005, in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Thursday, 27 January 2005. It was answered by Tony Blair (Labour) on Thursday, 27 January 2005 on behalf of the Prime Minister.

Prime Minister

Question: To ask the Prime Minister, what assessment he has made of preparations for the forthcoming elections in Iraq.

Answer: Mr. Dalyell: To ask the Prime Minister what assessment he has made of preparations for the forthcoming elections in Iraq. [210906] The Prime Minister: Both the Independent Electoral Commission of Iraq (IECI) and the UN remain confident that technical preparations are on schedule to meet the 30 January timing for elections. 111 groups, with over 7,000 candidates, are registered to contest the national elections. A further 12,000 candidates will contest the provincial elections. Recent polling data indicates that the majority of Iraqis want to vote. Security for the elections will of course be vital. The IECI and the Iraqi authorities, with the multi-national forces, are working hard to ensure security in all areas to achieve the broadest possible participation. To date, the IECI has accredited 12,400 Iraqi election observers to ensure that elections are free and fair. In addition, the International Mission for Iraqi Elections (IMIE), an initiative established by the Canadian Electoral Commission, will carry out a technical assessment of the elections.

Secondary information

Type: Written question
Reference: 210906; 430 c459-60W
Session: 2004-05
Subjects: Elections Iraq Politics and government United Nations Independent Electoral Commission of Iraq
Link: View this Written question on www.publications.parliament.uk