US welcomes Iraq’s elections, backs efforts to end ‘armed militias’
ERBIL, Kurdistan Region - The US president’s special envoy to Iraq on Thursday congratulated the Iraqi people on the successful completion of their recent parliamentary elections, reaffirming Washington’s commitment to supporting Iraq’s sovereignty and its efforts to end “external interference and armed militias.”
In an official letter he posted on X, Mark Savaya lauded the vote as a “crucial step toward strengthening democracy and stability in the country.”
He praised Iraqis for their “commitment to freedom, the rule of law, and strong national institutions,” and commended Prime Minister Mohammed Shia’ al-Sudani and his government for ensuring that the elections were held “on time” and “smoothly.”
“This important election is a clear sign that Iraq is moving toward greater prosperity and sovereignty,” Savaya said.
Iraq’s Independent High Electoral Commission (IHEC) on Wednesday released the preliminary results for the country’s parliamentary special and general elections, held on Sunday and Tuesday, respectively.
Preliminary results showed that the Sudani-led Reconstruction and Development Coalition secured the top position, earning more than 1.3 million votes. The Kurdistan Democratic Party (KDP), led by President Masoud Barzani, followed closely with over one million votes.
Importantly, Savaya reaffirmed Washington’s commitment to Baghdad’s stability and independence, emphasizing that the United States “remains firmly committed to supporting Iraq’s sovereignty, reform efforts, and endeavors to end external interference and armed militias.”
Just days before the key ballot, the special envoy on Friday urged Iraqis to preserve the progress achieved in the democratic process, affirming that Washington “stands with Iraq as it moves forward: strong, independent, and free from foreign-backed militias.”
[Source: Rûdaw English]
