The recent action by “ Independent Electoral Commission of Iraq” to rub out 267,000 Kurdish votes from Kirkuk is totally deceitful and objectionable. We appeal to the Kurdish officials, the federal government of Iraq and Independent Electoral Commission of Iraq to set right this intentional oversight promptly and prior to outset of any doubt or disbelief about the elections. This premeditated attempt aggravated by foreign elements is aimed at causing ferment and creating disruptive situation among Kirkuk residents before the scheduled national elections.

Kirkuk necessitates immediate assistance with replacing its fraud-prone voting system, with clean, transparent, accountable and democratic systems. Voting should occur without violence or intimidation. There is an urgent need for international election monitors with unrestricted power to oversee the upcoming election otherwise charges and countercharges of fraud, mismanagement, disenfranchisement, and incompetence will predictably launch in the upcoming elections. Honest scrutiny, serious reporting, and thoughtful recommendations from outside observers can help rebuild public trust in our democracy.

A multi-national, independent, non-partisan, and non-governmental team of skilled election monitors in Kirkuk to examine and report on Iraq electoral process within the framework of international election standards is a requisite. The impartial assessments and practical recommendations for reform are designed to help overcome the doubt many Iraqi voters feel about processes at the core of our democracy

Since there was no rule of law, Iraqi elections were viewed most as inequitable, imbalanced, and dogmatic. Iraqi electoral system was dominated mostly by repression. In a democracy, perhaps the only thing more exasperating than being shorn of the right to vote is voting without ever really knowing whether your ballot was actually counted. 

All Iraqi firmly believe in the significance of universal human rights law and its applicability and relevance to Iraq as a member of the international community. Iraqi believe that the engagement of international election monitors has the potential to speed the necessary reform as well as reduce the likelihood of questionable practices and voter disenfranchisement on Election Day.

The United Nations must recognize that one of its old members is drifting dangerously towards lawlessness- a prospect that endangers the peace and freedom of the entire Iraqi society. It’s time for UN to play a more constructive role in rebuilding Iraq and intervene positively in elections to stem any future chaos and confrontation.