
Former Iraqi PM calls for Electoral Law reform
In an article published by Asharq Al-Awsat, al-Kadhimi outlined three core flaws he believes have repeatedly undermined Iraq's elections: repeated changes to Electoral Law before each vote, disregard for demographic shifts, and the absence of consistent rules for representation. He warned that ruling parties have routinely altered electoral laws to serve their own interests, distorting voter intent and reshaping the political scene to their advantage.
These practices, he argued, have led to a disconnect between election outcomes and the actual will of the people, highlighting the need to align seat distribution with Iraq's demographic and geographic realities—not by expanding the number of seats, but by ensuring that allocation is based on population data.
Al-Kadhimi criticized the inconsistent application of the one-MP-per-100,000-citizens rule, pointing out that its uneven enforcement has led to disproportionate representation for some provinces while excluding others. He proposed a fixed formula grounded in demographic criteria to close these gaps.
To ensure long-term stability, he called for a permanent electoral system with objective, evolving criteria. His proposed model is based on proportional representation, dividing parliamentary seats into three categories: winners by highest votes, quotas for women and minorities, and compensatory seats to correct regional imbalances.
He also proposed fixed electoral districts determined by population, with boundaries reviewed only when significant demographic shifts occur, helping maintain stability while remaining responsive to change.
Voting System
Addressing Iraq's broader debate over the voting method for the upcoming November 11 elections, al-Kadhimi advocated for a system where political parties present ranked lists of candidates per district, allowing voters to choose individuals from within those lists. This model, he explained, would dilute single-list dominance and open space for independent candidates who cross the electoral threshold.
He stressed the need for a clearly defined and uniformly enforced electoral quotient to ensure balanced competition between independents and political blocs.
On electoral conduct, al-Kadhimi urged stronger safeguards to prevent 'the misuse of public funds and early vote-buying disguised as outreach campaigns,' warning that such practices not only strain public finances but also erode trust in the electoral process.
Reflecting on Iraq's 2021 elections, he described them as the most transparent in the country's modern history, crediting the Independent High Electoral Commission. To preserve and build on that credibility, he recommended insulating the commission from political control by selecting members from outside party circles, preferably judges appointed in consultation with the judiciary.
Hashtags

Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles


Shafaq News
4 hours ago
- Shafaq News
Syria to hold first election after Al-Assad in September
Shafaq News – Damascus Syria is set to hold parliamentary elections from September 15 to 20 with more seats and outside monitoring, the chairman of the Supreme Elections Committee confirmed on Sunday. The Head of the Supreme Committee for People's Assembly Elections, Mohammad al-Ahmad, told Syria's state-run SANA that the revised system increases the number of assembly seats from 150 to 210, with 70 members to be directly appointed by the president. He noted that the allocation of seats will reflect population figures from Syria's 2011 census, leading to expanded representation for several provinces. The Transitional President Ahmad al-Sharaa, during his meeting with al-Ahmad, stressed the importance of conducting elections in all Syrian provinces, reiterating his rejection of any form of division—an approach he described as universally opposed by the Syrian people. He also emphasized the exclusion of individuals who supported 'criminal elements' or promoted sectarianism and separatism. Following the signing of the electoral decree, the committee will have one week to form local subcommittees, which will then be given 15 days to select the voting bodies. Afterward, candidate registration will open, with nominees granted one week to prepare their platforms before engaging in debates with selection bodies and subcommittee members. Al-Ahmad indicated that at least 20 percent of the electorate bodies will include women, reflecting efforts to promote gender inclusion in the voting process. The elections will be monitored by domestic observers and international organizations, coordinated by the Supreme Electoral Committee. Authorities will also guarantee the right to challenge candidate lists and final results, he added.


Shafaq News
4 hours ago
- Shafaq News
What We Know So Far: Armed PMF Faction storms ministry office
Shafaq News – Baghdad Armed clashes erupted Sunday morning between members of the Popular Mobilization Forces (PMF) and Iraqi security forces at a Ministry of Agriculture office in the Dora district, south of Baghdad. The incident left two people dead—including a civilian passerby—and injured at least twelve others. According to Iraq's Joint Operations Command, the gunmen belonged to PMF Brigades 45 and 46, affiliated with the Kataib Hezbollah faction. The command said the group stormed a government building and exchanged fire with state security personnel tasked with protecting public institutions. Security forces arrested 14 suspects during the operation. Upon verifying their identities, authorities confirmed all belonged to the aforementioned PMF brigades. Legal proceedings have been initiated, and the detainees have been referred to the judiciary. The Iraqi Interior Ministry provided further details, revealing that the armed group broke into the Ministry of Agriculture's office in western Baghdad during an internal meeting, prompting panic among employees who called for immediate help. Several officers and personnel sustained injuries in the confrontation. Security sources told Shafaq News that the incident originated from a dispute between two individuals affiliated with the PMF over an administrative appointment. When the newly appointed director attempted to assume his duties, the current officeholder refused to hand over the position. The incoming official reportedly returned with an armed group, leading to an exchange of gunfire. Military and security officials from Baghdad Operations Command, the Federal Police, and the PMF's own internal security directorate later intervened to de-escalate the situation. Authorities confirmed the site is now secure and no further violence has been reported. Prime Minister Orders Accountability In response, Prime Minister Mohammed Shia al-Sudani, who is also the Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces, held an emergency meeting with senior military officials. He ordered that all individuals involved in the attack be held accountable in accordance with Iraqi law. Al-Sudani emphasized the state's responsibility to protect its institutions and called for a thorough and professional investigation, warning that 'no one is above the law' and that unauthorized armed actions will not be tolerated. PMF Leadership Disavows Incident The PMF Commission issued a statement Sunday evening pledging full cooperation with authorities. It reaffirmed that the PMF operates under the command of the Iraqi state and that any individual or group acting outside established procedures would face consequences. 'The PMF exists to serve the nation and act in coordination with official security institutions,' the statement read. 'Any individual or group that steps outside this framework is violating the law and the principles of the PMF.'


Shafaq News
4 hours ago
- Shafaq News
Palestinian journalist wounded by Israeli fire near Gaza border
Shafaq News – Gaza A Palestinian journalist working for Yemen Today TV was wounded on Sunday while covering events near the northern edge of the Gaza Strip, local sources confirmed. Abdalhadi Farahat, a field correspondent, was struck by Israeli army fire in the Al-Sudaniya area, adjacent to the Zikim military zone. The extent of his injuries remains undisclosed. Farahat was on assignment near the frontline when he came under fire. The Al-Sudaniya region, known in Israeli military terms as Zikim, lies along a tense stretch of the Gaza-Israel border that has witnessed repeated clashes. His injury adds to the mounting toll on media workers in Gaza. Since the onset of Israel's war on the enclave in October 2023, at least 228 journalists and media professionals have been killed, including 46 reportedly targeted in connection with their reporting.