![The opening session of New Iraqi Parliament held at the Parliament Building on 3 September 2018 in Baghdad, Iraq. [Haydar Karaalp - Anadolu Agency]](https://i0.wp.com/www.middleeastmonitor.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/09/20180903_2_32187712_36892370-e1548317576541.jpg?fit=1200%2C800&ssl=1)
Iraq’s Independent High Electoral Commission (IHEC) confirmed on Thursday that it had invited 52 countries to monitor the early parliamentary elections scheduled for next October.
IHEC Spokesperson Jumana Al-Ghalai affirmed that the commission had sent invitations to the embassies of 71 Arab and foreign countries and international organisations, noting that many had already accepted the invitation.
Al-Ghalai noted that a European Union delegation and a United Nations (UN) mission would provide full support for the commission, adding that the UN has sent a number of experts to support the commission in media, logistical and electoral aspects.
A team of experts will also aid the commission in administrative and technical procedures.
READ: Iraq’s Sadr: Pressure is being exerted on Sunni provinces for electoral gains