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Shafaq News
2 days ago
- Politics
- Shafaq News
Iraq November elections: Push for postponement gains momentum
Shafaq News – Baghdad Influential political factions in Iraq, some reportedly backed by international and regional actors, are exerting growing pressure to postpone the country's parliamentary elections, citing regional instability and political deadlock as justifications. Multiple political sources confirmed to Shafaq News that momentum is building behind a quiet but coordinated push to delay the elections, with the effort expected to become public in the coming weeks. According to one source familiar with the discussions, several parties are preparing to demand a delay 'under the pretext of instability,' while in reality aiming to reposition themselves politically in response to broader shifts—including the announced boycott by influential Shiite leader Muqtada al-Sadr and his movement. 'These demands are likely to escalate into open calls from prominent blocs seeking to reorganize their alliances,' the source said, noting that the delay would also give time for electoral law amendments to be debated—an effort some factions view as critical for shaping the upcoming vote. Another political source told Shafaq News that the first parliamentary session after the Ashura commemorations is expected to focus on politically divisive laws that are unlikely to see progress. 'There will be proposals for technical changes to the election law and other legislation, but they are not expected to yield concrete outcomes,' the source said. Discussions about postponement are increasingly framed in terms of legal, logistical, or security concerns. But behind the scenes, political recalculations and a lack of consensus on electoral reforms are driving the push. Despite the mounting pressure, sources confirmed that the work of the Independent High Electoral Commission (IHEC) remains unaffected for now. On Monday, IHEC spokesperson Jumana al-Ghalai told Shafaq News that the Commission has formed central and provincial-level media monitoring committees to oversee election campaigning, signaling its continued preparations for the November vote. Iraq's Cabinet previously set November 11, 2025, as the date for the country's next legislative elections, with campaigning expected to begin shortly beforehand. However, since the date was announced, the path to elections has become increasingly uncertain. The electoral process faces a number of significant challenges, including growing public disengagement and widespread skepticism about the legitimacy of the political system. Calls for a boycott have expanded in recent months, not only from the Sadrists but also from al-Nasr (Victory) Coalition and several civil and independent movements, deepening concerns about voter turnout and political inclusivity.
Shafaq News
2 days ago
- Politics
- Shafaq News
Iraq parliamentary elections: Campaigning begins October
Shafaq News - Baghdad On Monday, Iraq's Independent High Electoral Commission (IHEC) announced the official campaign period for candidates will begin in early October, confirming that voter registration is no longer accessible. Addressing Shafaq News, the commission's media team spokesperson, Hassan Hadi Zayer, highlighted that the window for updating voter records was extensive which allowed the commission to revise the data of more than two million voters. He also clarified that the minorities' seat allocations are determined by the current election law, with no plans to increase them. These remarks come as Iraq prepares for its parliamentary elections scheduled for November 11, 2025. Earlier this month, IHEC revealed its need for approximately 250,000 polling staff, emphasizing that it is also seeking official approval to issue commendation letters to those participating on Election Day.
Shafaq News
4 days ago
- Politics
- Shafaq News
IHEC: 36 electoral lists in Nineveh for Iraq vote
Shafaq News – Nineveh Thirty-six electoral lists will compete in Nineveh for Iraq's parliamentary elections on November 11, the Independent High Electoral Commission (IHEC) announced on Sunday. Farhan al-Maamari, head of IHEC's Nineveh office, told Shafaq News that the lists include 12 single-party slates, nine coalitions, and 15 quota-based lists representing minorities. Of these, eight are for Yazidis, four for Shabak, three for Christians, and two for independent candidates. 'In total, Nineveh will see 1,040 candidates on the ballot.' Al-Maamari also urged residents to participate, stressing that IHEC is coordinating with security and public agencies to safeguard a fair and transparent election. Notably, Nineveh province has about 9.5 million registered voters and will be allocated 31 seats in Iraq's 320-member parliament, including eight reserved for women. IHEC closed candidate registration nationwide on June 26. Imad Jameel, head of IHEC's media team, told our agency that applications are now under review by security, judicial, and oversight authorities. Voter registration and data updates remain ongoing ahead of the vote.
Shafaq News
4 days ago
- Politics
- Shafaq News
Duhok: +34K IDPs eligible to vote in Iraq polls
Shafaq News – Duhok More than 34,000 displaced people in Duhok province will be eligible to vote in Iraq's November 11 parliamentary elections, the Independent High Electoral Commission (IHEC) announced on Saturday. Khalid Abbas, head of IHEC's Duhok office, told Shafaq News the commission is coordinating with the Ministry of Migration and Displacement to verify the identities of displaced residents, both in and outside formal camps. To support this process, IHEC has deployed over 20 mobile teams to update voter records ahead of opening dedicated polling stations. Abbas also emphasized that returnees who have gone back to their home districts must vote there, rather than in the camps. According to official figures, Duhok currently hosts 15 displacement camps with more than 3,300 people, most of them from Sinjar after fleeing the ISIS incursion in 2014. Earlier today, Abbas confirmed in a press conference that Duhok will hold 11 parliamentary seats: eight for men, three for women, and one reserved for the Christian quota.
Shafaq News
5 days ago
- Politics
- Shafaq News
Duhok finalizes candidate lists for November polls
Shafaq News – Duhok Kurdistan Region's Duhok has become the first province in Iraq to finalize party and candidate lists for the November 11 parliamentary elections, the Independent High Electoral Commission (IHEC) announced on Saturday. At a press conference, Khalid Abbas, head of IHEC's Duhok office, outlined that 11 seats will be contested: eight for men, three for women, and one designated for the Christian quota. He emphasized that candidate lists are still under review, cautioning contenders against launching campaigns before receiving final approval. 'Ten electoral lists will compete in Duhok,' Abbas confirmed, naming the Kurdistan Democratic Party, Patriotic Union of Kurdistan, Kurdistan Islamic Union, People's Front, Kurdistan Justice Group, Mawqif Movement, Kurdistan Socialist Party, New Generation Movement, Babylon Movement, and Assyrian National Movement. 'Altogether, 61 candidates have registered — 40 men and 21 women.' Notably, IHEC closed candidate registration nationwide on June 26. Imad Jameel, head of IHEC's media team, told Shafaq News that all applications will undergo vetting by security, judicial, and oversight bodies before clearance. Voter
