Iraqi Delegates Observe Lithuanian Elections

November 8, 2004

IRI, in cooperation with the US-Baltic Foundation and the Lithuanian Journalism Center, funded a delegation of ten Iraqi political leaders to observe the parliamentary elections in Lithuania on October 10. Delegates saw first hand the campaign and election process unfold. The trip also served as motivation for the Iraqis that a nation, with a tradition of authoritarian rule and relatively elementary in its experience with democracy, can succeed peacefully and efficiently throughout the democratic process.

The group met with His Excellency Valdas Adamkus, President of the Republic of Lithuania. President Adamkus graciously welcomed the delegates to Lithuania and expressed strong support for continuing Lithuanian aid to the security and democratic transition of Iraq. The group also met extensively with other political party leaders in the days before and after the election to get a first hand look at campaign, party agent, and coalition building activities.

Throughout the trip, the delegates met with officials from the National Electoral Commission to discuss and further learn about electoral and political party laws and procedures. On Election Day the delegates observed the voting in Kaunus, Lithuania’s second city, and were impressed and heartened at the success of Lithuania to organize free and fair elections.

To conclude the trip, the group attended a farewell reception that was held in their honor and hosted by US Ambassador Stephen Mull. Several other ambassadors and members of the Lithuanian government attended the reception to give the delegates a warm send-off and to show their support of the Iraqi people.

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