SCHR forecasts over 50% turnout for Iraq's November elections
Voter turnout in Iraq's upcoming November 11 parliamentary elections is expected to exceed 50%, the Strategic Center for Human Rights (SCHR) projected on Saturday.
SCHR Deputy Head Hazem al-Rudaini stated that the Independent High Electoral Commission (IHEC) has approved 7,926 candidates—5,701 men and 2,225 women—representing a nearly 250% increase from the 3,227 who ran in 2021.
'This level of participation is likely to energize voters nationwide,' al-Rudaini said, noting that turnout will now be calculated based solely on biometric registrations under Law No. 4 of 2023. Iraq's biometric voter base currently includes about 22 million citizens.
In contrast, turnout in 2021 was measured against a broader pool of 25 million, which included both biometric and non-biometric registrations under the previous system, he explained.
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Shafaq News
an hour ago
- Shafaq News
Iraqi embassy rejects US stance on Iran security memorandum
Shafaq News – Washington / Baghdad The Iraqi Embassy in Washington responded, on Wednesday, to comments by US State Department Spokesperson Tammy Bruce, concerning Iraq's recently signed security agreement with Iran, reaffirming the country's full sovereignty. In its statement, the embassy underscored that Iraq is not subordinate to the policies of any other state and that its decisions are guided solely by its independent national will, adding that Iraq maintains relations of friendship and cooperation with numerous countries, including its neighbors and the United States, based on mutual respect and shared interests. The security agreement with Iran falls within the framework of bilateral cooperation to safeguard security and manage the shared border, contributing to the stability of both countries and broader regional security, the statement pointed out. Clarification StatementIn response to remarks made by the Spokesperson of the U.S. Department of State during her recent press briefing, the @IraqinUSA affirms that Iraq is a fully sovereign state, — سفارة العراق – واشنطن| Iraqi Embassy in Washington (@IraqinUSA) August 12, 2025
Shafaq News
4 hours ago
- Shafaq News
US rejects Iraq-Iran security pact
Shafaq News – Washington The US State Department rejected on Tuesday a recent security memorandum of understanding signed between Iraq and Iran, expressing opposition to any legislation that conflicts with US goals and efforts to strengthen Iraq's security institutions. Earlier this week, a security agreement was signed in a ceremony overseen by Iraqi Prime Minister Mohammed Shia Al-Sudani, involving Iraq's National Security Advisor Qasim Al-Araji and Iran's Supreme National Security Council Secretary Ali Larijani. At a press briefing attended by Shafaq News in Washington, State Department spokesperson Tammy Bruce commented on the memorandum, emphasizing, 'We support genuine Iraqi sovereignty, not legislation that would turn Iraq into a client state of Iran.' Highlighting that the United States has been clear about the principle that the future of nations should be determined by their own people, she noted the agreement 'runs counter to what we seek.' These statements come at a time of heightened political maneuvering in Baghdad, as US officials are pressing the Iraqi government not to approve the Popular Mobilization Forces (PMF) Authority law, which would formalize and expand the powers of the paramilitary coalition that includes several Iran-aligned factions.
Shafaq News
4 hours ago
- Shafaq News
Security briefing: Airstrikes, arrests, and tragedy mark Iraq's day
Shafaq News Below is a summary of key security incidents reported across Iraq on August 12, 2025. Airstrike on ISIS Hideouts (Kirkuk) The Iraqi Air Force launched a precision airstrike targeting ISIS positions in Wadi al-Shay, south of Kirkuk. The strike followed intelligence on militant movements and destroyed several operational sites. Foreign Nationals Detained with Military Gear (Babil) Security forces arrested a group of Pakistani nationals walking among Arbaeen pilgrims in Al-Kifl. They were found with PMF-branded military uniforms and images showing them carrying medium weapons and riding in military vehicles abroad. Counter-Terrorism Sweep Nets 11 Suspects (Nationwide) Iraq's Counter-Terrorism Service arrested 11 ISIS suspects in a series of coordinated raids across Nineveh, Kirkuk, Saladin, and al-Sulaymaniyah. Forces destroyed multiple hideouts, tunnels, and caves used for storing explosives. The operations were supported by army aviation and Kurdish Asayish units. Arbaeen Pilgrimage Crash Kills Five (al-Diwaniyah) A traffic accident on the al-Diwaniyah–Afak road left five dead and 23 injured. Among the victims were two sons of MP Karim Aliwi, head of the parliamentary Security and Defense Committee. The crash occurred when a tire burst, causing the vehicle to collide with a passenger bus.
