What's at stake in Iraq's parliamentary election

Iraq is holding a parliamentary election that will determine if Prime Minister Mohammed Shia al-Sudani can secure a second term. The vote takes place amid regional tensions, including fears of conflict between Israel and Iran, and potential strikes on Iran-backed groups in Iraq. The election is the seventh since the 2003 U.S. invasion and follows years of instability and the rise and subsequent decline of extremist groups. Current concerns for Iraqi voters are primarily economic, focusing on job opportunities and inadequate public services, such as persistent power outages. The electoral system mandates that 25% of parliamentary seats are reserved for women, nine for religious minorities, the speaker position for a Sunni, the prime minister for a Shiite, and the president for a Kurd. Voter turnout has been declining, reaching a record low of 41% in the last election. The election features 7,744 candidates from various sectarian-aligned parties and some independents, including Shiite blocs, Sunni factions, and the main Kurdish parties. Several powerful Iran-linked Shiite militias are participating through affiliated political parties. Notably, the influential Sadrist Movement, led by cleric Moqtada al-Sadr, is boycotting the election despite winning the most seats in 2021. Reformist groups from the 2019 protests are also participating but face internal divisions and lack of support. Concerns about the elec... download the app to read more