Archive · 11 Nov 2025
Iraqis Vote in General Election Amid Regional Tensions and Low Turnout Fears
Iraq is holding an election to choose new members of parliament.
This is important because the parliament will pick the next prime minister.
The country has faced many problems like war, bad services, and corruption, making many people feel discouraged and unsure if voting will help.
Some important people are even telling their followers not to vote at all.
The election is being watched closely by Iran and the United States because they both have interests in Iraq.
The current prime minister, who is backed by parties linked to Iran, is expected to do well, but forming a new government might be difficult.
The winner will need to balance Iraq's relationships with both Iran and the U.S., especially with the changing situation in the Middle East.
Iraqis are voting for a new 329-seat parliament on Tuesday.
The election is closely monitored by Iran and the United States due to Iraq's regional significance.
Concerns about low voter turnout exist, partly due to public disillusionment with corruption and poor services, and an influential cleric's call for a boycott.
Prime Minister Mohammed Shia al-Sudani, backed by Iran-linked parties, is expected to perform well but will need to form a coalition government.
The new government will face the challenge of balancing relations between the U.S. and Iran amidst regional instability.
- Who
- Iraqis eligible to vote
- What
- Voting for a new 329-seat parliament
- When
- Tuesday
- Where
- Iraq
- Why
- To elect new representatives, form a government, and navigate complex regional influences from Iran and the U.S., while addressing domestic issues like corruption and failing services.
Supporters of Voting
Supporters of Boycott
Value of Voting
Supporters of Voting
Some voters, like a public servant in his thirties, believe voting is a right and a means to achieve change, despite politicians spending heavily to win votes, proving their vote is valuable.
Supporters of Boycott
Influential Shiite cleric Moqtada Sadr urged followers to boycott, accusing those in power of being 'corrupt' and unwilling to reform. A close associate quoted him as urging followers to stay home and treat election day as a 'family day'.
Impact on Daily Life
Supporters of Voting
Voters express a desire for progress and relief from issues like unemployment, believing the vote is a path to change. (e.g., Ali Abed in Mosul)
Supporters of Boycott
Many citizens have lost hope that elections can bring meaningful change to their daily lives, seeing the vote as a sham that only benefits political elites and regional powers. (e.g., Ali al-Ikabi, a tuk-tuk driver)
- Election Date
- Tuesday
- Poll Opening Time
- 07:00 am (0400 GMT)
- Poll Closing Time
- 6:00 pm (1500 GMT)
- Eligible Voters
- More than 21 million
- Parliamentary Seats
- 329
- Number of Candidates
- More than 7,740
- Current Prime Minister
- Mohammed Shia al-Sudani