February 14, 2005

Prime Minister Paul Martin today issued the following statement concerning the announcement of Iraqi election results:

“On January 30th, the Iraqi people clearly indicated their desire for a democratic future. We congratulate them for exercising their democratic rights, and we respect the choices they have made. We also commend the candidates for their determination.

We were also pleased to hear the positive preliminary assessment from Canada's Chief Electoral Officer, Jean-Pierre Kingsley on behalf of the International Mission for Iraqi Elections (IMIE).

Canada looks forward to working with the new Iraqi government as it proceeds through this important transition period. We call upon the new Assembly to work with all Iraqis to build upon these foundations of democracy, and to promote long-term stability and prosperity in the country and region.

Canada is ready to support the Iraqi people as the constitutional and electoral processes continue throughout 2005, including the constitutional referendum in October and subsequent national-level elections in December. We look forward to the ongoing assessments of the IMIE in this respect, as well as their contribution toward building Iraq's electoral authorities.”

Canada has pledged $20 million to the United Nations Iraq Trust Fund to support Iraqi elections and provided up to $7 million in additional elections support to the IMIE. An assessment group composed of electoral experts, the IMIE was formed through the work of a forum held in Ottawa on December 19 and 20, 2004. Elections Canada has taken on a prominent role in the group's operations, reflecting its own well-respected experience and expertise in transitional political processes.