Iraq’s electoral commission has approved applications from 667 foreign observers to monitor the country’s parliamentary elections on April 30.
“The commission will continue to accredit international observers because their role is important to ensure that the election process is more transparent and fair,” Sirbest Mustafa, the commission’s head, said Thursday.
Around 9,040 candidates are vying for the 328 parliamentary seats.
The vote comes amid rising sectarian violence and political tensions in Iraq.
The next parliament will elect a new prime minister and president.
Outgoing Prime Minister Nuri al—Maliki is seeking a third term, with his Shiite—led government facing increasing opposition from the Sunni—majority provinces.
Many members of Iraq’s Sunni community complain that the Shiite authorities discriminate against them, especially through anti—terrorism arrest campaigns and a law that bans members of the former ruling Baath party from holding public office.
Iraq has seen almost daily attacks in recent months, believed to have been carried out by Sunni militants targeting security personnel and the Shiite majority.
According to UN estimates, 8,868 people were killed in violent incidents in 2013, Iraq’s highest annual death toll in five years.
