Baghdad – Iraq finished its sixth parliamentary election on Tuesday, a key event that could shape the country’s future for decades. More than 20 million voters cast ballots at 8,703 polling stations, choosing from a field of 7,744 candidates for 329 seats in the Council of Representatives.
The vote opened at 7 a.m. local time and closed at 6 p.m., overseen by the Iraqi Independent High Electoral Commission (IHEC). Over 2,200 women ran for office, reflecting a growing push for gender representation in Iraqi politics.
The election came after a tense 2021 vote that sparked violence in Baghdad and left the country in a year‑long political stalemate. A mandatory campaign silence period was enforced to keep the process peaceful, and security forces monitored the polls closely.
Moqtada al‑Sadr, a powerful Shiite cleric, called for a boycott, criticizing corruption in the political system. His followers largely stayed home, but polling stations still saw a strong turnout, showing that many Iraqis feel the stakes are high.
Prime Minister Mohammed Shia al‑Sudani urged voters in a televised address last Friday: “This is the most important election since 2003. The vote decides Iraq’s future for the next 20 years.” He voted at a centre in the Karrada district of central Baghdad, accompanied by his elderly mother, who ran a wheelchair. “Every citizen’s vote matters,” al‑Sudani said after casting his ballot.
Nechirvan Barzani, president of the Kurdistan Regional Government, also went to the polls in Erbil and welcomed the election. “The future of Kurdistan and Iraq depends on this vote,” he told reporters. “Let’s help shape our tomorrow with new leaders.”
The election conversation on the ground revealed that voters are focused on change and development. “I quit my bad old job to vote for the better future,” said Alaa Mahmoud, an Education Ministry employee, after voting at the Al‑Masarra centre. He added that fresh faces could solve the country’s long‑standing problems.
Teacher Hawraa Ali echoed that sentiment. “Security has improved, and we now look forward to better services,” she said. “I want a leader who can change our education system. That’s vital for Iraq’s future.”
Media expert Mohammed al‑Jubouri of Al‑Iraqia University in Baghdad said the election reflects the public’s dream for lasting stability and growth. “It offers a chance to reinforce Iraq’s political foundations and work toward durable reform for every citizen,” he explained.
IHEC Director Saddam Thabit told Xinhua that the commission had prepared all needed elements for a smooth process and expressed hope that the turnout was high. “The latest parliamentary election is a crucial test for our democracy,” he said.
The voting day was a mix of enthusiasm and caution. While security forces kept a tight watch, the atmosphere in many polling stations was positive, with families making the trip to vote. The presence of women candidates and senior government leaders in the voter’s lines highlights the importance of inclusivity in Iraq’s politics.
The results of this vote will reshape Iraq’s political landscape. Observers say that the new parliament will face the challenge of uniting a fractured society, tackling corruption, and reviving the economy. In the weeks ahead, parties will negotiate coalitions and ultimately form a new government led by the Prime Minister.
For Iraqis, this election is a milestone after a decade of turmoil. The choice of new lawmakers will determine whether Iraq can finally step into a stable and prosperous future.
Source: ianslive
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