BAGHDAD, Iraq: A United Nations official said the UN-led international election assistance team found the Dec. 15 contested elections for Iraq's new parliament as credible: 'The United Nations is of the view that these elections were transparent and credible. Turnout was high and the day was largely peaceful, all communities participated.'

Addressing a news conference organized by the Independent Electoral Commission of Iraq, or IECI, in Baghdad, Iraq, Wednesday, Craig Jenness said there was no justification for a re-run of the vote that gave a strong lead to the Sayyed Abdul Aziz Al-Hakim bloc - United Iraqi Alliance.

Jenness statement come at a critical time, with the United States placing high hopes on forming a broad-based coalition government that will provide the fledgling democracy with the stability and security it needs to allow American troops to begin returning home.

Meanwhile, Ayatullah Sayyed Ali As-Sistani has called for formation of a national unity government and more efforts to make national solidarity a reality.

A representative of the Ayatullah while speaking on condition of anonymity said: "Ayatullah Sistani has also appealed for measures to prevent violence which could further complicate the situation in Iraq."