Iranian Advisor Commends Iraqi Elections as a Milestone in Political Maturity

Ali Akbar Velayati, an advisor to the Supreme Leader of Iran on international affairs, characterized the recent Iraqi parliamentary elections as a "historic and unprecedented" event, underscoring the advanced political and social consciousness among the Iraqi people.

In a congratulatory message to the Iraqi government and citizens, Velayati referred to the elections as a "great success," which he believes demonstrates the Iraqis' capacity to shape their own future and the broader regional landscape. He asserted that Iraq is now among the "most important and strongest Arab and Islamic countries," rooted in a rich civilization that dates back thousands of years.

Velayati acknowledged Iraq's historical and cultural significance, recalling the contributions of the Sumerian civilization to humanity and Iraq's prominent role in the Islamic world. He highlighted the importance of the sacred shrines of Imams in Iraq, noting that various societal groups—including Shiites, Sunnis, and Kurds—are united in their commitment to protect these sites and maintain national unity.

He concluded his message by reaffirming that the relationship between Tehran and Baghdad is deeply embedded in history, culture, and religion, expressing hope for continued cooperation between the two nations.

In a related statement, the Iranian Foreign Ministry welcomed the conclusion of the Iraqi elections, viewing it as a crucial step toward bolstering stability and sovereignty. Spokesperson Ismail Baqai noted that the high voter turnout reflects the maturation of Iraq's democratic process, which was conducted in an organized and peaceful environment.

The Independent High Electoral Commission in Iraq reported that the "Reconstruction and Development" coalition, led by Prime Minister Mohammed Shia al-Sudani, emerged victorious, receiving over 1.3 million votes. The Kurdistan Democratic Party, headed by Masoud Barzani, secured second place with approximately one million votes. Voter participation stood at 56.1% among more than 21 million eligible voters.