As Iraq stands on the cusp of a pivotal political moment, early voting for the country’s parliamentary elections concluded on Sunday, November 9, 2025, with an impressive turnout and a charged atmosphere that underscores the stakes for Iraq’s future. The early voting process, which included security personnel and displaced citizens—among them minority Yazidis—marked the first phase of an election that could determine whether Prime Minister Mohammed Shia al-Sudani secures a second term. With the parliamentary elections scheduled for November 11, the nation is bracing for a contest that will test the resilience of its democracy, the unity of its political factions, and its ability to navigate regional tensions.
According to the Associated Press and corroborated by IraqiNews.com, the early voting session opened at 7 a.m. and closed at 6 p.m. local time, with polling stations spread across cities such as Baghdad, Basra, Najaf, and the Sharia camp near Dohuk in the semi-autonomous Kurdish region. The Independent High Electoral Commission (IHEC) reported that more than 1.1 million out of approximately 1.34 million eligible voters participated, translating to a remarkable 82.4% turnout. Omar Ahmed, chairman of the IHEC Board of Commissioners, announced during a press conference that this robust participation reflects the security forces’ and displaced people’s commitment to shaping the country’s future.
The IHEC’s preparations for the November 11 election have been extensive. Over 8,700 polling stations have been established to accommodate Iraq’s more than 21 million registered voters. On election day, 7,744 candidates—including more than 2,200 women—will compete for 329 seats in the Council of Representatives, Iraq’s parliament. Notably, nine of these seats are reserved for minority groups, ensuring representation for Iraq’s diverse communities. The current parliamentary term is set to end on January 8, 2026, and by law, elections must be held at least 45 days before the conclusion of the legislative session.
The early voting phase was not only a logistical achievement but also a display of Iraq’s ongoing efforts to secure the electoral process. Security operations were ramped up nationwide, with tens of thousands of personnel deployed and military checkpoints established throughout major cities. As The Media Line reported, these measures aimed to protect voters and maintain order at the more than 8,700 polling centers prepared for the election. Election workers, too, played a vital role, diligently counting ballots at the close of the special voting session on November 9 in Baghdad and other locations.
The run-up to the election has seen a flurry of political activity and public engagement. Prime Minister Mohammed Shia al-Sudani, who enjoys broad public support but faces resistance from competing Shia power brokers, addressed the nation before the campaign pause. In his speech, he called on Iraqis to fulfill their democratic duty, stating, “You are the decision-makers,” and emphasizing that the vote is decisive for the country’s long-term direction. His words resonated with many, particularly younger voters, who have taken an active role in registration drives and community outreach, hoping to boost participation after a disappointing turnout in the 2021 elections.
The political landscape, however, remains deeply fragmented. In Baghdad, the atmosphere has grown increasingly charged as rival factions vie for influence. The governance system is designed to prevent any single leader from dominating, and this has led to realignments among key political blocs. The Shia camp is divided, with Prime Minister al-Sudani’s supporters clashing with other power brokers. In the north, the Kurdistan Democratic Party and the Patriotic Union of Kurdistan are heading into the election cycle still without a regional government nearly a year after their own vote, while Sunni leaders remain split among themselves. These divisions add layers of complexity to the formation of the next government and the prospects for stability in the months ahead.
Campaign rallies in the weeks leading up to the election have drawn large crowds and high-profile figures. On October 18, Prime Minister al-Sudani appeared at a rally in Mosul, while on October 24, supporters of the Rights Movement (Harakat Huqooq) gathered in Baghdad to hear Hussein Muanis speak. Former Prime Minister Nouri al-Maliki held a campaign event for his political bloc in Baghdad on November 7, underscoring the fierce competition for parliamentary seats and the enduring influence of past leaders.
For many Iraqis, stability is the foremost concern. The country faces persistent economic challenges, and the assertion of national sovereignty remains a rallying cry amid regional tensions. The current election takes place against the backdrop of fears of another conflict between Israel and Iran, with Iraq delicately balancing its relationships with both Tehran and Washington. This geopolitical balancing act has only heightened the sense of urgency surrounding the vote, as Iraqis weigh their country’s place in a volatile region.
Displaced people, especially Yazidis living in camps, have been at the forefront of early voting efforts. In the Sharia camp near Dohuk, Yazidi women queued to have their fingerprints verified before casting their ballots—a poignant reminder of the communities still struggling with the aftermath of conflict and displacement. Their participation sends a powerful message about resilience and the importance of inclusion in Iraq’s democratic process.
As the final ballots from the early voting phase were counted, the nation turned its attention to the main event: the parliamentary election on November 11. With 7,744 candidates vying for 329 seats, and more than 21 million Iraqis eligible to vote, the outcome will shape the country’s political trajectory for years to come. The current parliament’s term will end in early January 2026, and the new assembly will face the daunting task of forming a government capable of addressing Iraq’s pressing challenges.
While the high turnout in early voting has injected a sense of optimism, the road ahead is anything but certain. Political splintering, voter fatigue, and the enduring legacy of past conflicts continue to pose significant hurdles. Yet, as Prime Minister al-Sudani reminded the nation, the power to determine Iraq’s future ultimately rests in the hands of its people. With the world watching, Iraqis are preparing to exercise that power, hoping that this election will mark a step forward on the path to stability, prosperity, and national unity.
