Representatives of Iraqi political parties and parliamentary blocs agreed on Friday on an “electoral code of ethics,” under the sponsorship of UN and western experts.
The text, a copy of which was obtained by Asharq Al-Awsat, includes 24 clauses based on which Iraq will hold its first legislative elections after the defeat of ISIS.
Last January, the parliament set May 12 for the elections, which will decide the prime minister who will lead the country for the next four years.
The code of ethics condemns the use of sectarian or ethnic rhetoric, rejects violence and bans the intimidation of voters during elections.
Article 4 of the code calls on “rejecting all kinds of violence and on confronting any behavior that threatens national unity.”
The three-page text also calls for not using security issues for electoral purposes before the elections.
It said that following the elections, all signatories should accept the results of the polls and the peaceful transition of power to facilitate the immediate formation of a new government in line with the Iraqi Constitution.
“All candidates should behave as statesmen and respect each other by distancing themselves from all means of defamation,” the text said.
Western experts and Iraqi political figures have worked behind closed doors to draft the text.
UN Special Representative to Iraq Yan Kubish had sponsored this initiative and provided it with the needed UN backing.
In Article 10, the code of ethics called on respecting press freedom, human rights and democracy.
Another article said all parties should support the Independent High Electoral Commission so that it assumes its responsibilities and examines all elections-related complaints.
