Suzan J. The Role of Independent Electoral Bodies in Appeals Against Election Results

Abstract

After the election process concludes at the designated time and all polling stations are closed, the counting committees tally the votes obtained by each party or candidate. The process of distributing votes begins based on the number of votes each candidate or party has received, or based on the list. Following this, the process of determining the results begins, which are then announced in accordance with the electoral system and law in the countries under comparison, including Iraq. Thus, the announcement of election results is merely a logical outcome of the general vote count.

After every election, we often find announcements that lead to numerous allegations of fraud, tampering, or even outright rejection of the results. This was the case in Iraq, where the reactions of some political forces and parties escalated to the point of complete rejection, with protests or sit-ins taking place across the country. At this point, the phase of electoral appeals begins after the results are announced. These appeals are a legal mechanism established by law to correct, amend, or annul erroneous, incomplete, or even unlawful executive or judicial orders and decisions.

The significance of this research stems from the election process, which may reveal legal violations or defects, such as falsification, fraud, or other forms of manipulation of election results. Electoral appeals are of critical importance as they serve as a protection and guarantee of the public rights and freedoms of citizens, whether voters or candidates, which are connected to the constitution to ensure the principle of equality and participation in voting and candidacy. Therefore, they are a legal means that provide guarantees to ensure the integrity, fairness, and credibility of elections. The research concludes with a set of recommendations and findings relevant to the subject.