The United Nations Security Council praised Iraqis on Monday for their commitment to democracy in the face of “dynamic security challenges,” and congratulated the Iraqi government and Independent High Electoral Commission on “a technically well-managed and generally peaceful election” in early October.

The statement came in response to a report by UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres on Iraq’s electoral process and the role of the UN Assistance Mission for Iraq. The council praised the UN mission for its “objectivity” in assisting the government and IHEC in their pursuit of “truly free and fair Iraqi-led, Iraqi-owned elections.”

Iraqis went to the polls last month to elect members of parliament amid protests calling for an end to endemic corruption and better living conditions.

Following the elections, supporters of the Fatah Alliance — a coalition representing Iran-backed militias that lost two-thirds of its seats — claimed the poll was rigged and refused to accept the results, despite the fact that hundreds of international observers testified to the voting process’s integrity.

The Security Council condemned “attempts to discredit the election,” condemned the use of violence to settle election-related grievances, and urged that any disputes be resolved through “legal and peaceful means.”

“The Security Council members reiterated their condemnation of both the assassination attempt on Iraqi Prime Minister Mustafa Al-Kadhimi on November 7, 2021 and the persistent threats of violence against UNAMI, IHEC, and others,” the council said in a statement.

Members also praised “the government of Iraq, IHEC, and UNAMI’s efforts to promote women’s political participation.”

“Members of the Security Council look forward to the peaceful formation of an inclusive government that will deliver meaningful reforms to address the needs and aspirations of all Iraqis, including women, youth, and marginalized communities,” the statement concluded.

They reiterated their support for the independence, sovereignty, unity and territorial integrity of Iraq.”