On Sunday 13 May, the spokesperson for the European External Action Service said the previous day's elections in Iraq for the Council of Representatives were in accordance with the Iraqi Constitution. "As the first after Iraq's victory over Da'esh", the elections were "a key step forward in the construction of Iraq's democracy and long-term stability", the EEAS spokesperson stated.
In the EEAS press release, the spokesperson said that "despite some regrettable isolated reports of violent incidents", the work of the Iraqi security forces and electoral authorities "resulted in an orderly ballot, which allowed the Iraqi people to exercise their democratic rights in peace and security".
"Vote counting should now be completed speedily and transparently, addressing claims of irregularities through the available procedures and ultimately leading to the swift formation of a representative government, responsive to the needs and aspirations of the Iraqi people", the spokesperson stated, adding that the EU remained a strong partner and supporter of Iraq.
According to the electoral Commission, only 44.52% of those registered to vote actually did so – in other words, this was the weakest turn out since the establishment of multiparty elections in 2005. (Original version in French by Camille-Cerise Gessant)