Special Voting Begun on Sunday Ahead of Iraqi Parliamentary Polls
Iraq has kicked off its parliamentary elections with a special early voting session held on Sunday, November 9, 2025, two days ahead of the main polls.
The early vote was reserved for approximately 1.3 million members of the security forces and over 26,500 internally displaced persons (IDPs). The special timing allows security personnel to cast their ballots before they are deployed to secure the country on the main election day.
This election marks the sixth parliamentary vote since the 2003 invasion. Nearly 21 million Iraqis are eligible to vote on Tuesday for a new 329-seat parliament, choosing from over 7,750 candidates.
However, the political climate is marked by significant skepticism:
Low Turnout Fears: Observers are concerned that voter turnout may dip below the record low of 41 percent seen in the 2021 election, reflecting widespread apathy and distrust over allegations of corruption and mismanagement.
Political Boycott: Influential Shia leader Moqtada Sadr, whose bloc won the most seats in 2021 before withdrawing, has urged his followers to boycott what he described as a "flawed election."
Frontrunners: Current Prime Minister Mohammed Shia al-Sudani is seeking a second term and is expected to secure a sizeable bloc, balancing the country's relations with both Iran and the United States.
Despite the challenges, holding the election on schedule is seen by some analysts as a positive sign that Iraq remains on the path of democratization.
