Iraq’s President Barham Salih stressed that holding fair and free elections could end the possession of weapons outside state control and political crises suffered by his country.
In a speech before a conference for civil society organizations, he said that resorting to the people through elections will help end the political crises.
“There are political obstacles that need to be addressed,” he said, pointing to necessary constitutional amendments that must also be introduced.
He further stressed the importance of maintaining security and stability in the country.
The president made his remarks three days after tensions between the state security forces and Popular Mobilization Forces (PMF) threatened to take the country over the edge.
“The armed manifestations currently in the country affect the state’s security and sovereignty and undermine the legitimacy of the political system,” he warned.
PMF gunmen had deployed at the Green Zone in central Baghdad on Wednesday following the arrest of prominent PMF member Qassim Muslih.
Salih stressed that the parliamentary elections will be held on schedule on October 10, stressing that the current government’s main task is holding the polls.
Meanwhile, leader of the National Wisdom Movement (Al-Hikma) Ammar al-Hakim urged Iraqis to participate in the upcoming elections, which he said is a fundamental right and national duty.
He called on civil society organizations to encourage people to take part in the polls and observe the process to ensure fair and transparent results.
