Baghdad, Iraq – Iraq commenced its special voting process on Sunday for more than 1.3 million military personnel and thousands of internally displaced persons (IDPs), marking a critical prelude to the nationwide parliamentary elections scheduled for November 11. This early voting mechanism ensures that security forces, tasked with safeguarding polling stations on the general election day, can exercise their democratic rights without compromising electoral security.
Polling stations across the country opened promptly at 7:00 a.m. local time (0400 GMT) and are set to close at 6:00 p.m. (1500 GMT), as reported by an on-site correspondent from Anadolu Agency. The Independent High Electoral Commission (IHEC) has orchestrated a meticulous operation to accommodate these special voters, reflecting Iraq's ongoing efforts to uphold inclusive electoral practices amid complex security and logistical challenges.
According to the state-run Iraqi News Agency (INA), over 1.3 million military voters are participating in this phase. The process is facilitated through 809 polling centers nationwide, encompassing 4,501 individual polling stations. These centers are strategically distributed to cover military bases, security installations, and other designated areas, allowing personnel from the Iraqi Army, Federal Police, and various security agencies to cast their ballots efficiently.
The primary objective of this special voting day is to enable members of the armed forces and security apparatus—who will be deployed extensively on November 11 to secure the general elections—to fulfill their constitutional voting rights. By separating their participation from the main voting day, the measure prevents any potential conflicts between duty and civic engagement, thereby maintaining the integrity and smoothness of the broader electoral process.
In addition to security personnel, 26,538 internally displaced citizens are eligible to vote on Sunday. These voters, many of whom have been uprooted by years of conflict, including the fight against the Islamic State (ISIS) and previous sectarian violence, will access 97 polling stations spread across 27 dedicated polling centers. This inclusion underscores Iraq's commitment to enfranchising marginalized populations, ensuring that displacement does not disenfranchise citizens from shaping their government's future.
Iraq’s Interior Minister, Abdul Amir Al Shammari, provided reassurance on the proceedings during an interview with INA. He described the special voting as progressing “smoothly and in an organized manner” within electoral centers that are “fully secured.” Security protocols have been heightened, with multilayered checkpoints, biometric verification systems, and armed guards in place to deter any disruptions. Minister Al Shammari emphasized the government's prioritization of transparency and voter safety, noting that international observers and local monitors are present to oversee compliance with electoral standards.
The upcoming parliamentary elections represent a pivotal moment in Iraq's post-2003 democratic journey. A total of 7,768 candidates are vying for the 329 seats in the Council of Representatives. This diverse field includes 5,520 men and 2,248 women, highlighting a notable increase in female participation compared to previous cycles. Women’s representation has been a focal point of electoral reforms, with quota systems mandating at least 25% female lawmakers in the parliament.
The Council of Representatives holds significant authority: it elects the President of the Republic, who in turn appoints the Prime Minister-designate to form a government. The parliament also grants or withholds confidence in the cabinet, approves the national budget, and oversees legislation on critical issues such as security, economy, and foreign policy. With approximately 21 million eligible voters out of Iraq's population of over 40 million, the election's turnout and results will profoundly influence the country's political stability and governance trajectory.
The incumbent parliament, comprising 320 lawmakers, was inaugurated on January 9, 2022, following the October 2021 elections. Dominated by Shia political parties and blocs, which secured a majority of seats through coalitions like the Coordination Framework, the current assembly's term is constitutionally set to conclude on January 8, 2026. Iraqi law stipulates that legislative elections must occur no later than 45 days before the parliamentary term expires, necessitating the November 11 vote to ensure a seamless transition of power.
Iraq's political system is uniquely structured to reflect its ethno-sectarian diversity, a design rooted in the 2005 Constitution to prevent the marginalization of any major group. The three branches of government are traditionally allocated by sect: the presidency is reserved for Kurds, the prime ministership for Shias, and the speakership of the parliament for Sunnis. This consociational arrangement aims to foster inclusivity and balance in a nation historically fraught with sectarian tensions. The Kurdish presidency, currently held by Abdul Latif Rashid since October 2022, symbolizes autonomous regional interests, while the Shia prime minister, Mohammed Shia al-Sudani, appointed in October 2022, navigates the complexities of national unity.
This sectarian power-sharing formula, while promoting representation, has often led to protracted government formation processes and political gridlock. The 2021 elections, for instance, resulted in months of negotiations before al-Sudani's cabinet was approved. Observers anticipate similar coalition-building challenges post-November 11, particularly as populist movements, independent candidates, and emerging blocs challenge traditional party dominance.
The special voting process also serves as a litmus test for the IHEC's preparedness. Recent reforms, including the adoption of biometric voter registration and electronic vote tabulation in select provinces, aim to curb fraud allegations that have plagued past elections. International bodies, such as the United Nations Assistance Mission for Iraq (UNAMI), have praised these advancements while calling for continued vigilance against interference.
As Sunday's voting unfolds, early reports indicate high enthusiasm among military voters, with long but orderly queues at major centers in Baghdad, Basra, and Mosul. Displaced persons in camps near Erbil and Dohuk have similarly expressed gratitude for the opportunity to participate. One soldier, speaking anonymously to Anadolu, stated, “Voting today means we protect the nation tomorrow—both with our guns and our ballots.”
The general election on November 11 will see polling stations open nationwide for the remaining eligible voters. With 329 seats at stake—including 83 reserved for minorities and women under the quota system—the outcome will determine Iraq's legislative agenda for the next four years. Key issues dominating campaigns include economic diversification beyond oil, anti-corruption measures, reconstruction in ISIS-liberated areas, and managing relations with regional powers like Iran and the United States.
Security remains a paramount concern. The Iraqi military and police, fresh from their special voting, will deploy over 250,000 personnel to safeguard more than 8,000 polling centers. Potential threats from remnant ISIS cells or militia interference loom, though officials assert robust countermeasures are in place.
In summary, Sunday's special voting launch exemplifies Iraq's resilient democratic framework. By prioritizing the participation of security forces and IDPs, the process not only upholds constitutional rights but also fortifies the legitimacy of the impending parliamentary renewal. As the nation approaches November 11, the eyes of Iraqis and the international community remain fixed on this exercise in sovereignty, hopeful for a peaceful, fair, and transformative election.
