Melkert lauds Iraqi voting efforts

BAGHDAD, Sept. 11 (UPI) -- The U.N. Assistance Mission in Iraq congratulated the Iraqi election body for registration of more than 250,000 voters for parliamentary elections in January.

Ad Melkert, the U.N. special envoy for Iraq, praised the Independent High Electoral Commission for the management of the voter registration process, noting more than 250,000 voters were registered during the first two weeks of its campaign.

Melkert noted IHEC doubled the number of voter-registration centers compared with levels reached in 2008.

"Another important achievement is the ongoing distribution of over 18 million voter information cards to voters registered in the provisional voter list, helping people to find their registration and polling centers," he added.

The special envoy said the increase in the number of people registered for the elections indicates the growing confidence of the Iraqi people in the democratic process.

Meanwhile, Iraqi lawmakers are preparing for their next process in the political arena. A new coalition, the Iraqi National Alliance, may take part in the elections, while Iraqi Prime Minister Nouri al-Maliki is expected to seek another term.

"The importance of January elections for the future of Iraq cannot be overestimated," said Melkert.