AMBASSADOR ENCOURAGES IECI TO ADDRESS CREDIBILITY

C O N F I D E N T I A L BAGHDAD 005154 SIPDIS E.O. 12958: DECL: 12/28/2015 TAGS: PNAT PGOV KDEM IZ SUBJECT: AMBASSADOR ENCOURAGES IECI TO ADDRESS CREDIBILITY ISSUES REF: BAGHDAD 05131 Classified By: Ambassador Zalmay Khalilzad for Reasons 1.4 (B) and (D) ¶1. (C) SUMMARY: In a December 28 meeting with eight commissioners of the Independent Electoral Commission of Iraq (IECI),the Ambassador urged the IECI to consider how best to address complaints about the credibility of the election results. The Ambassador suggested the Commission welcome outside observers such as the International Mission for Iraqi Elections (IMIE) to play a more active role as the IECI continues to sift through and investigate complaints. He encouraged them to move quickly, making an announcement about outside observers as soon as possible. The commissioners generally responded positively to this advice, but noted that the IECI's process to date has been credible and has been deemed to be "fair, transparent, and up to international standards" by both the UN team and international observer groups. In the IECI press conference later on December 28, Commissioner Hindawi invited international accredited organizations to come to Iraq and observe IECI's processing of electoral complaints. He also invited political entities to participate in the same endeavor. END SUMMARY. ¶2. (C) On December 28, the Ambassador met with all the IECI commissioners present in Baghdad (Chairman Izadin al-Mohammady is currently in Jordan undergoing a heart operation). During the meeting, the Ambassador congratulated the commissioners for the IECI's hard work on the elections. He then emphasized the importance of the IECI's hard work not being undermined by political party posturing. To address these credibility issues, he suggested the IECI publicly welcome involvement from an international group, particularly IMIE. ¶3. (C) The commissioners were generally receptive to the idea that outside international monitors observe the IECI's complaint and audit investigations. Commissioner Safwat Sidqi said the IECI has always been open to observers and will continue to welcome such groups, especially previously planned IMIE additions coming within the next days. ¶4. (C) Commissioner Farid Ayar and International Commissioner Craig Jenness tempered these statements. Jenness cautioned against creating an impression that this international group (IMIE) be considered an "inspection" group, hence hinging public buy-in and certification of the election results on the production of IMIE's report. The international group should review the process but not become part of the process itself, he advised. Ayar was also cautious and noted that the IECI did not need "outside" experts to affirm the credibility of the election. He said this type of effort would cause extra work and time for the Commission. ¶5. (C) Commissioners Abdulhussein Hindawi, Hamdia al-Hussaini and Craig Jenness stressed that the IECI conducted a credible and fair election, as reported by both the UN and observer groups such as IMIE. They all expressed dissatisfaction with political party efforts to pressure the IECI and vowed they would not respond. Commissioner Hindawi noted that complaints were coming from parties disappointed in the election results. Commissioner al-Hussaini agreed, saying that political party attacks on the IECI only began once vote counts were announced and political parties found themselves to be "losing". ¶6. (C) The Ambassador highlighted the importance of building acceptance of the elections to the widest degree possible and noted that an international observer group would enhance this acceptance. The commissioners appeared to accept this advice, although they also agreed it should be "organized by the UN". Commissioner al-Hussaini suggested also inviting the political parties that are complaining to form a committee and take part in the observation of IECI complaint adjudication. ¶7. (C) In their press conference later on December 28, Commissioner Hindawi invited international accredited organizations to come to Iraq and observe IECI's processing of electoral complaints. He also invited political entities to participate in the same endeavor. KHALILZAD