Iraq is preparing for parliamentary elections in 2025

• Voting in Iraq will take place on November 8 and 9, 2025.
• Al-Sudani intends to continue his tenure as Prime Minister.
• Voting will be based on the background of issues regarding violence and corruption.

BAGHDAD (AP) — Iraqis are preparing for parliamentary elections, which will take place at a crucial moment for the country and the region. Voting will begin on Sunday for military personnel and displaced persons, while general elections are scheduled for the following Tuesday.

The results of the elections could affect the potential continuation of Prime Minister Mohammed Shia al-Sudani for a second term. Elections are being held against a backdrop of concerns about the potential for war between Israel and Iran and possible strikes by Israel or U.S. forces against Iranian groups in Iraq. Baghdad aims to maintain a delicate balance in relations between Tehran and Washington amid the Trump administration's pressure regarding the presence of armed groups linked to Iran.

This year's elections will be the first since the U.S. invasion in 2003, which toppled the regime of Saddam Hussein. In Ukraine, which has been enduring years of war, the main issues for many Iraqis have become the lack of job opportunities and inadequate provision of public services, including frequent power outages.

According to the law, 25% of the 329 parliamentary seats must be occupied by women, and nine seats are reserved for religious minorities. The position of the speaker of parliament is traditionally held by a Sunni, the prime minister is always a Shiite, and the president is a Kurd.

The number of candidates participating in the elections is decreasing. In the last parliamentary elections in 2021, the turnout was 41%, which became a record low in the post-Saddam period. Only 21.4 million out of 32 million potential voters updated their information and received voter cards, which is fewer than in previous elections.

In the elections, 7,744 candidates are participating, most of whom represent sectarian parties, as well as independent candidates. Among them are Shiite blocs, led by former Prime Minister Nouri al-Maliki, and Sunni factions that are competing for votes.

However, one of the most prominent players in the country's politics — the Sadrist movement, led by Shiite cleric Muqtada al-Sadr, is boycotting the elections. Sadr won the largest number of seats in the 2021 elections but has since been sidelined due to failed negotiations over the formation of a government.

Before this year's elections, there were almost no advertising posters on the streets, and instead, there were calls for a boycott. Some reforms that emerged from mass protests also participate in the elections but are hindered by internal superstitions.

Before the elections, numerous allegations of corruption and vote-buying were reported, and 848 candidates were disqualified. Despite the decrease in the level of violence, one of the candidates was killed in the lead-up to the elections.

Al-Sudani came to power in 2022 with the support of pro-Iranian parties, but since then he has been trying to balance Iraq's relations with Tehran and Washington. Although the country has achieved relative stability, the path to a second term for al-Sudani will not be easy.

Tags: Middle East/Politics