United Nations Radio

The forthcoming election in Iraq represents a test of the new political order and of the transition process.

That according to UN special envoy Ashraf Qazi. In a report to the Security Council, Mr. Qazi says the Iraqi people are yet to be given the opportunity to assert their political rights. But he says while there's clearly a widespread desire amongst Iraqis to participate in the elections, some important segments of the population still feel alienated, or excluded, from the political transition.

"Over the past three months, the United Nations has actively continued its efforts to engage in dialogue with a wide spectrum of Iraqi opinion, including those outside the political mainstream, with the aim of understanding their needs and aspirations and encouraging them to enter the political process."

Mr. Qazi says the UN team has tried to impress upon all that the forthcoming elections must provide a platform for the expression of all shades of Iraqi political opinion.