The attack on the Shiite university, one of several that took place on Sunday ahead of the national elections scheduled for 30 April, has reportedly left several people dead and wounded.

 

“This is yet another example of sectarian-based violence that the people of this country need to fight in order to bring this country to tranquility, and it is happening at a time when the Iraqi people are preparing to go to the polls in a few days,” said Nickolay Mladenov, the Secretary-General’s Special Representative and head of UNAMI.

 

“The target has been selected to incite sectarian hatred, with utter disregard for human life and religious values.”

 

Mladenov offered his condolences to the families of those who died in what he described as a “vicious and cowardly attack on innocent civilians” and wished a speedy recovery to those injured.

 

During the upcoming polls – the third national election under the 2005 Constitution – Iraqis will choose their national representatives. On the same day, voters in the Kurdistan Region will also choose their governorate council representatives.

 

Nickolay Mladenov, Special Representative of the Secretary-General and Head of the UN Mission for Iraq. UN Photo/Amanda Voisard