Archive · 6 Nov 2025
Young Iraqis Challenge Sectarian Rule in Parliamentary Elections
Imagine a country where the same older politicians have been in charge for a very long time, and things haven't gotten much better for the people.
Many young Iraqis are fed up with this and are running for parliament to try and make changes.
They want a 'new Iraq' where things like jobs and good services are more important than old political rivalries.
Some young people are excited to vote for these new candidates, hoping for a fresh start.
However, not everyone is optimistic; some young people feel that the system is too broken and that politicians who make promises often don't keep them.
There's also worry that powerful groups with weapons might try to stop any real change from happening.
These young candidates are joining existing political groups to try and change things from the inside, which is a very difficult challenge.
It's a big moment for young Iraqis to try and have a say in their country's future.
A significant number of young Iraqis are running for parliament, aiming to challenge sectarian rule and entrenched elites.
Around 40% of registered candidates are under 40, with roughly 15% under 35, a contrast to the current parliament's average age of 55.
Many young Iraqis are motivated by frustration with corruption, unemployment, and poor public services.
While some youth are enthusiastic about voting for new candidates, others are skeptical due to past unfulfilled promises and remain disengaged.
Young candidates face challenges from established patronage networks and potentially violent resistance from groups with armed wings.
- Who
- Young Iraqis, including Anwar Ibrahim and Ali Abd al-Hussain, running for parliament.
- What
- A wave of young Iraqis are running for parliament to challenge entrenched sectarian political structures and push for reform.
- When
- Leading up to parliamentary elections next week.
- Where
- Iraq
- Why
- Frustration with corruption, unemployment, poor services, and the dominance of established political parties and militias since the fall of Saddam Hussein.
- Election Date
- Next week (relative to article publication)
- Candidate Age Range
- Late 20s to mid-30s
- Current Parliament Average Age
- About 55
- Percentage of Candidates Under 40
- About 40%
- Percentage of Candidates Under 35
- Roughly 15%
- 2019 Protest Deaths
- 149