IMIE PUBLISHES
PRELIMINARY ASSESSMENTS OF IRAQI ELECTIONS 

Amman – January 30, 2005 – The International Mission for Iraqi Elections (IMIE) has published its first preliminary assessments of the Iraqi elections. The assessments were transmitted to the Independent Electoral Commission of Iraq (IECI) and posted in Arabic and English at www.imie.ca following the close of polls in Iraq today.

The preliminary assessments are based on initial data gathered by the IMIE from authorities and participants in Iraq's elections. They have been subject to initial review and evaluation by the Mission's members over the last few weeks, and during the Mission's Steering Committee meeting in Amman this weekend, as well as to additional independent analyses by electoral experts around the world commissioned by the Mission.

"Iraq's Electoral Commission has prepared and put in place a framework for an election that generally meets recognized standards in terms of election law, planning and preparations," says the IMIE's preliminary report. The preliminary analyses will be updated as further data and analyses become available after today's election, and as preparations proceed for the next two votes scheduled for later this year.

"IECI is to be congratulated for the rapid progress it has achieved in establishing the foundations for democratic participation in Iraq, particularly given the short time frame and arduous circumstances," said Jean-Pierre Kingsley, Chair of the IMIE Steering Committee and Canada's Chief Electoral Officer.

The IMIE's report identifies several strong points regarding today's election, including the extent and quality of IECI's election planning and organization, and its independence. Areas recommended for further development include transparency regarding financial contributions and expenditures, improvements to the voter registration process, and reviewing the criteria for candidate eligibility.

"It is a remarkable testimony to the resolve of the Iraqi people, and to the importance of democratic values, that millions of Iraqis faced personal risk in order to vote today, and that tens of thousands of individual Iraqis put their lives at risk by volunteering to work in polling locations explicitly threatened with attack," said Mr. Kingsley. "Their courage must redouble international resolve to assist the Iraqi people in their ongoing transition to successful self-government."

Created in December 2004 to assist in planning, conducting and assessing Iraq's three elections this year, the IMIE is the first time that electoral management bodies from multiple nations have collaborated to provide peer-level reviews and advice in this manner. "Throughout the course of this year, our member electoral commissions are dedicated to travelling this important road together with the IECI, our newest colleague, and with the Iraqi people," said Mr. Kingsley.

"We welcome the IMIE's invitation to participate in their assessments of the election process, in the spirit of openness, transparency and cooperation," said Farouq Al-Amad of the League of Arab States, who participated in this weekend's IMIE deliberations in Amman. "We share the deep concern about the well-being of the Iraqi people, and believe everyone must assist in making progress toward Iraqi self-determination and an autonomous, independent and brighter future for Iraq."

In coming weeks, the IMIE will continue gathering data and release updated reports. It will review today's preliminary assessments in detail with Iraq's Electoral Commission, and offer suggestions for continued strengthening of the democratic process in Iraq.

About IMIE: The International Mission for Iraqi Elections is composed of eleven of the world's leading independent electoral commissions, plus an association comprising 18 additional electoral management bodies. The agencies are cooperating to provide thorough, independent and expert assessments of the electoral policies and procedures being developed for the three elections planned in Iraq for 2005. The IMIE provides assessments, advice and counsel to the Independent Electoral Commission of Iraq, and to the public at large for the purpose of assisting in the strengthening of democratic processes and building public confidence in Iraq's developing democracy. Members of the IMIE include the electoral management bodies of Albania, Australia, Bangladesh, Canada, Ghana, Indonesia, Mexico, Panama, Romania, United Kingdom, Yemen, and the Association of Central and Eastern European Election Officials. The League of Arab States participates in IMIE deliberations as an observer. Elections Canada currently serves as Chair of the Mission's Steering Committee, and provides secretariat support and resources through its Ottawa headquarters and IMIE liaison offices in Amman and Baghdad.

For further information and updates, visit www.imie.ca.

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