Iraq heads to elections at a sensitive time - Assalamu alaikum
Assalamu alaikum - Iraq is just weeks away from parliamentary elections that will shape the country's direction at a very delicate moment in the region. Even though the ceasefire in Gaza has eased some tensions, many still worry about the possibility of renewed conflict between Israel and Iran. Iraq stayed mostly out of the brief Israel‑Iran clash in June, but Baghdad is under growing pressure from Washington about Iran‑linked armed groups operating inside the country.
Prime Minister Mohammed Shia Al‑Sudani, who took office in 2022 with support from several pro‑Iran parties, has since tried to balance ties with both Tehran and Washington. The Nov. 11 vote will decide whether he gets a rare second term for an Iraqi premier.
Who’s running and who isn’t
A total of 7,768 candidates - 2,248 women and 5,520 men - are contesting 329 seats. Major Shiite blocs include those led by former PM Nouri Al‑Maliki, cleric Ammar Al‑Hakim, and others tied to armed groups; Sunni factions are led by figures like former parliament speaker Mohammed Al‑Halbousi and current speaker Mahmoud Al‑Mashhadani; and the main Kurdish parties are the Kurdistan Democratic Party and the Patriotic Union of Kurdistan.
Notably absent are the popular Sadrist Movement, led by Shiite cleric Muqtada Al‑Sadr, which is boycotting the vote after withdrawing in 2021 when government formation talks failed. In Sadr City a banner read, “We are all boycotting upon orders from leader Al‑Sadr. No to America, no to Israel, no to corruption.” The Victory Coalition, led by former PM Haider Al‑Abadi, also announced a boycott citing alleged corruption. Some reformist groups born from the 2019 anti‑government protests are participating but are hampered by internal splits and limited funds.
Allegations of vote‑buying and violence
There are widespread claims of corruption and vote‑buying. A campaign source said many candidates, including big blocs, are distributing money and buying voter cards - reportedly up to 300,000 Iraqi dinars (about $200) per card. The Independent High Electoral Commission says it’s committed to a fair process and will disqualify anyone found buying votes.
Campaigning has also seen violence. On Oct. 15, Baghdad provincial council member and Sunni candidate Safaa Al‑Mashhadani was killed by a car bomb. Authorities arrested two suspects and said the killing appeared related to electoral competition. MPs described the attack as a return to the dark days of political assassinations.
The role of armed groups
Parties linked to Iran‑backed militias are using their military and financial clout. These include groups tied to Kataib Hezbollah and Asaib Ahl Al‑Haq. The Popular Mobilization Forces, formed to fight Daesh, were formally placed under the Iraqi military in 2016 but still keep significant autonomy. Al‑Sudani says armed groups that give up weapons and become political actors have the right to participate, but many of these militias remain active and armed. The U.S. has urged Al‑Sudani to disarm Iran‑backed militias that undermine Iraq’s sovereignty and harm Iraqis and Americans.
Al‑Sudani’s pitch and public mood
Al‑Sudani presents himself as a pragmatist focused on improving services. Polls show Iraqis’ views of the country have improved - for the first time since 2004 more than half of those surveyed thought Iraq was heading in the right direction, and a 2025 poll found 55% had confidence in the central government. Still, only one PM, Nouri Al‑Maliki, has served more than one term since 2003. Observers say the prime minister’s fate depends not just on election results but on deals between political blocs and regional agreements, and disagreements within the Shiite Coordination Framework could hurt Al‑Sudani’s chances.
Many Iraqis remain skeptical about real change. One Baghdad resident, Saif Ali, says he won’t vote, asking why basic services like electricity and water haven’t improved since 2003. “What happened with regards to electricity from 2003 until now? Nothing,” he said. “What happened with water? Drought has reached Baghdad. These are the basic services, and they are not available, so what is the point of elections?”
May Allah protect Iraq and guide its leaders and people to what’s best.
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