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Iraqi parliamentary elections see record-high voter turnout

10 November 2025 01:43 (UTC +04:00)

Turnout in the special vote held for the Iraqi Council of Representatives (parliament) elections, which included security forces personnel and displaced persons, exceeded 80%, Deputy Commander of Joint Operations Qais al-Mahmudawi informed, APA reports.

According to him, as quoted by the Shafaq News portal , turnout reached an "unprecedentedly high level." He also announced that all those whose names "weren't included on the special voting list, including those recently appointed to positions or those whose contracts with the Ministry of Internal Affairs were terminated," will be able to participate in the general vote, scheduled for November 11.

According to the portal, vote counting began in all provinces of the country after polling stations closed. More than 1.3 million security personnel, including Iraqi troops and Kurdish Peshmerga fighters, and over 26,000 displaced persons participated in the special vote.

According to the latest data from the Supreme Electoral Commission, 7,768 candidates, including 2,248 women, are vying for 329 seats in the legislative body. Nearly 21.5 million people are expected to cast their votes in the election.

According to the constitution, the Iraqi parliament is elected every four years. After the results are approved, the Council of Representatives convenes for its first session, where a speaker is elected. After this, parliament must elect a president within 30 days, who in turn must instruct the largest coalition to nominate a candidate for prime minister. The candidate must propose the formation of a new cabinet and secure its approval from members of parliament. The government is considered formed if it receives the support of a majority of parliamentarians. Otherwise, the president instructs a new candidate to form a cabinet.