Vote unrest: Iraq vows to protect diplomatic missions

Government reacts to protests in Green Zone in Baghdad

The Iraqi government has pledged to protect diplomatic missions in the country, which is witnessing street protests against results of recent parliamentary elections.

Loyalists of blocs, which have fared poorly in the October 10 polls, have stepped up their protests in several parts of Iraq, including a sit-in near the Green Zone in Baghdad, which is home to foreign embassies.

“Objection to results of elections should be within the recognised legal procedures,” the government said in a statement following a meeting in Baghdad. “The Iraqi government is committed to protecting the UN mission and other diplomatic missions working in the country from any threat and supporting them to undertake their assignments,” it added.

The election results showed that a bloc led by the populist Shiite cleric Moqtada Al Sadr came first with 73 seats at the 329-strong parliament. ProIran groups took a beating at the ballot box compared to their gains in the 2018 polls.

Independents established a foothold in the new legislature winning 37 seats.