25/10/2021 (Agence Europe) – The spokesman for the European External Action Service deplored on Saturday 23 October the threats of violence against, among others, the staff of the United Nations Assistance Mission for Iraq (UNAMI) and the Independent High Electoral Commission (IHEC) following the publication of the preliminary elections results in Iraq earlier this month (see EUROPE 12811/30). “Such violent manifestations have no place in a democracy. (...) Voting on election day was largely peaceful, orderly and well-organised, and voters were able to freely express their will”, the spokesman said, explaining that any appeals or complaints related to the elections should be handled through existing legal procedures. It is “crucial that all parties use these legal means to address any grievances they may have over the outcome of the polls”, he said. (CG)