IHEC Forms Committees to Enforce Ban on Ba'ath Party Ahead of Elections

PUKMEDIA

IHEC logo.

The Iraqi Independent High Electoral Commission (IHEC) has established 19 committees to oversee the enforcement of the law prohibiting the activities of the dissolved Ba'ath Party. It has also confirmed that political parties or candidates found in breach of the law could face punitive measures, including disqualification from the upcoming elections.

Dr Haiman Tahsin, Director General of the Political Parties and Organisations Department at the IHEC, told al-Sabah newspaper that the department is fully committed to ensuring the proper implementation of the legislation.

He explained that two committees have been formed in Baghdad, along with additional committees across all IHEC offices in the provinces. These committees are tasked with investigating violations of the Ba'ath Party ban, handling complaints, and monitoring reports filed by other organisations. Their work is carried out in cooperation with the Supreme National Commission for Accountability and Justice, the National Security Service, and the Iraqi National Intelligence Service.

Dr. Tahsin confirmed that the department has already investigated numerous complaints and has referred several cases to the judiciary concerning individuals accused of promoting the outlawed Ba'ath Party.

Meanwhile, the IHEC's legal adviser, Hassan Salman, stated that legal action can be taken against candidates found to be glorifying the banned party, whether through public statements or media appearances. Speaking to al-Sabah, he explained that the Commission refers such cases to the relevant authorities, including the Accountability and Justice Commission, which holds the final authority to determine candidates' eligibility and apply the appropriate legal measures.



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