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Voting begins In Iraq’s parliamentary elections
Baghdad (AFP/Anadolu) — Iraqis headed to the polls on Tuesday to choose a new parliament, in elections that will determine the country’s political direction for the next four years.
Around 21 million eligible voters are expected to cast their ballots to fill 329 parliamentary seats, whose members will go on to elect the president and approve the next government.
Polling stations opened early in the morning and will close at 6 p.m. local time (1500 GMT), with authorities confirming that no extensions will be granted.
According to Iraq’s electoral commission, preliminary results are expected within 24 hours, while official confirmation will follow once all appeals have been reviewed.
Prime Minister Mohammed Shia al-Sudani, who voted in Baghdad, said the elections were taking place in “a secure and stable environment,” praising the efforts of the country’s security forces.
“These elections reaffirm the principle of the peaceful transfer of power,” he told reporters, emphasizing that the government had ensured international observation to guarantee transparency.
The previous parliamentary elections were held in October 2021, following widespread protests that led to the resignation of former Prime Minister Adil Abdul-Mahdi. His successor, Mustafa al-Kadhimi, oversaw those polls.
Under Iraq’s constitution, legislative elections must take place at least 45 days before the end of parliament’s four-year term. Power in Iraq remains divided along sectarian lines: the presidency is traditionally held by a Kurd, the premiership by a Shia Muslim, and the parliamentary speakership by a Sunni Muslim.