UN envoy urges formation of 'inclusive' gov't in Iraq

By Betul Yuruk

NEW YORK (AA) – The UN envoy for Iraq on Wednesday urged the country’s political leaders to form an inclusive government following parliamentary elections earlier this month.

"We urge political leaders to prioritize inclusive, non-sectarian dialogue and to ensure the swift formation of a new truly national government that reflects the will of the people of Iraq," Jan Kubis told the Security Council.

Kubis said the post-election phase represents a crucial time for Iraq.

Iraq’s May 12 election was the country’s first parliamentary poll since 2014.

According to official results, Muqtada al-Sadr's Sairoon coalition won 54 parliamentary seats followed by a Hashd al-Shaabi-linked coalition (47 seats) and Prime Minister Haidar al-Abadi's Victory Bloc (42 seats).

The Erbil-based Kurdistan Democratic Party picked up 25 seats in the assembly, while the Sulaymaniyah-based PUK clinched 19 seats.

Final results were announced a full week after polling was conducted on May 12. Unofficial results were announced days earlier, but widespread fraud allegations reportedly delayed a final vote count.