An Iranian lawmaker said the upcoming parliamentary elections in Iraq could be a turning point toward more stability and prosperity for a nation still trying to get rid of the remnants of the self-styled Islamic State terrorist group.
Fatemeh Zolqadr told ICANA in a recent talk that "the parliamentary elections, if held in a transparent way and with the participation of all ethnic and political groups, could lead to stability and progress in Iraq."
Iraq's parliamentary elections were set for May 12 following a heated debate over efforts to delay them. This will be the first elections since the defeat of IS and reconstruction efforts are a key focus for the current government as more than one million people return to communities demolished after years of fighting.
The May vote will decide the prime minister who will lead the country for the next four years, a position reserved for the Shia majority.
Zolqadr underlined the significance of an inclusive election, saying that "the participation of all Iraqis from across the political spectrum could help reduce tensions and increase successes."
She also repeated Iran's support for Iraq, irrespective of who wins the race or what party ends up having the majority in the 328-seat assembly, formally known as the Council of Representatives of Iraq.
"The stability of Iraq is beneficial to all in the region and the Islamic Republic of Iran would back the decision of the Iraqi people," she added.
Incumbent Prime Minister Haider al-Abadi is seen by the analysts of having a better chance of winning another term in office, buoyed by a surge in popularity for successfully leading the war on IS militants.
Among other contenders for the top executive job are former prime minister Nuri al-Maliki and Hadi al-Amiri, a former transportation minister who bolstered his clout during the war on IS.
