Baghdad, Iraq – November 9, 2025 (Anadolu Agency) – The United Nations Assistance Mission for Iraq (UNAMI) has called on Iraqi citizens to exercise “awareness and responsibility” as the country prepares for parliamentary elections on November 11, marking a pivotal moment in its post-conflict democratic journey. The appeal came amid an electoral silence period that began early Saturday, signaling the final countdown to polls that will shape the nation’s political landscape for the next four years.
In a statement issued following a high-level visit to the Independent High Electoral Commission (IHEC) headquarters in Baghdad, Mohamed al Hassan, the Special Representative of the UN Secretary-General and Head of UNAMI, emphasized the need for integrity and broad participation. Accompanied by Iraqi President Abdul Latif Rashid, al Hassan met with IHEC Chairman Omar Ahmed Mohammed and members of the Commission’s board to assess readiness for the upcoming votes.
Al Hassan expressed unwavering confidence in the IHEC’s preparations, praising its members for their dedication. “We call for the highest degrees of integrity and independence to safeguard the security, interests, and future of Iraq,” he stated. He urged Iraqis to participate actively, exercising their constitutional rights “with full sincerity” and selecting candidates capable of serving the nation effectively.
Highlighting the stakes, al Hassan said, “Our hope is to see this dear and precious country move forward with steady and balanced steps toward greater stability and prosperity.” He stressed that Iraq deserves leaders who can translate the people’s legitimate aspirations into reality, free from sectarianism, favoritism, factionalism, and empty rhetoric.
The UN’s intervention underscores international support for Iraq’s electoral process, which has faced challenges including security concerns, voter apathy, and allegations of interference in past cycles. The 2021 elections, held in January 2022, were marred by low turnout and disputes, yet they represented a step toward stabilizing governance after years of instability following the 2003 U.S.-led invasion and the defeat of ISIS in 2017.
Iraq officially entered its electoral silence period at 7 a.m. local time (0400 GMT) on Saturday, one day before a special vote for select groups and two days ahead of the general election. During this blackout, all political entities and parties are barred from campaigning or promoting candidates until polling stations close, as mandated by Iraqi law and enforced by the IHEC. The measure aims to ensure a level playing field and prevent last-minute influence on voters.
Prime Minister Mohammed Shia al-Sudani echoed calls for participation in a public address, urging citizens to turn out in large numbers for Sunday’s special vote and Monday’s general election. “This is a national duty to build a stronger Iraq,” al-Sudani said, emphasizing unity across ethnic and sectarian lines.
IHEC spokeswoman Jumana al-Ghalai confirmed the Commission’s full preparedness in an interview with Anadolu. “We are fully prepared to hold the special vote on November 9 and the general vote on November 11,” she stated. The special vote accommodates security personnel, army members, medical staff, internally displaced persons, and prisoners who are unable to vote on the general election day due to logistical or security constraints.
A total of 7,768 candidates are vying for 329 seats in the Council of Representatives, Iraq’s unicameral parliament. The candidate pool includes 5,520 men and 2,248 women, reflecting efforts to boost female representation through a quota system that reserves at least 25% of seats for women. Approximately 21 million Iraqis are eligible to vote, out of a population of over 43 million, according to IHEC data.
The elections are constitutionally mandated to occur at least 45 days before the end of the current parliamentary term, which concludes on January 8, 2026. The outgoing legislature was elected on January 9, 2022, following early polls triggered by mass protests in 2019 demanding political reform and an end to corruption.
Shia-dominated parties and blocs currently hold a majority in parliament, consistent with Iraq’s post-2003 power-sharing arrangement. Under this informal ethno-sectarian quota system, known as the “muhasasa,” the presidency is allocated to Kurds, the premiership to Shias, and the speakership to Sunnis. This framework, while intended to promote inclusivity, has been criticized for entrenching division and patronage networks.
Key contenders include the Sadrist Movement led by cleric Muqtada al-Sadr, which boycotted the 2021 elections but is reportedly fielding candidates this time; the State of Law Coalition under former Prime Minister Nouri al-Maliki; and the Fatah Alliance representing Hashd al-Shaabi paramilitary groups. Sunni blocs such as Taqaddum and Azm, along with Kurdish parties like the Kurdistan Democratic Party (KDP) and Patriotic Union of Kurdistan (PUK), are also prominent.
Security remains a top concern, with Iraqi forces deploying extensively to protect polling stations and voters. The IHEC has implemented biometric voter registration and electronic counting in many areas to enhance transparency and reduce fraud risks. Over 1,000 polling centers will open nationwide, including in disputed territories like Kirkuk, where ethnic tensions persist.
International observers from the UN, European Union, and Arab League are monitoring the process to ensure compliance with democratic standards. The UNAMI has provided technical assistance, including training for electoral staff and support for voter education campaigns targeting youth and women.
Voter turnout will be a critical indicator of public trust. In 2021, only 43% of eligible voters participated, the lowest in Iraq’s post-Saddam era. Analysts attribute this to disillusionment with a political class accused of corruption and failure to deliver services amid economic hardships, including high unemployment and infrastructure decay.
The new parliament will elect the president, who in turn appoints the prime minister-designate to form a government. With Iraq navigating regional tensions, including U.S.-Iran rivalry and the aftermath of the Gaza conflict, the elections could influence Baghdad’s foreign policy and domestic reforms.
As Iraqis head to the polls, the UN’s message resonates: choosing leaders committed to national unity over division. “Iraq is in need of leaders who are able to translate the legitimate aspirations of the Iraqi people into tangible reality,” al Hassan reiterated.
The special vote commences Sunday, followed by the general election on Monday. Results are expected within days, potentially setting the stage for coalition negotiations that could take weeks or months.
In a nation rebuilding from decades of conflict, these elections represent not just a democratic exercise but a test of resilience and hope for a prosperous future.
