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Iraq faces elections at a delicate moment in the Middle East

On Nov. 11, Iraq will hold parliamentary elections to determine whether Prime Minister Mohammed Shia al-Sudani will secure a rare second term.
The Sadrist Movement, led by Muqtada al-Sadr, is boycotting the election after 2021 withdrawal, with a banner in Sadr City showing local support, while the Victory Coalition led by Haider al-Abadi also boycotts citing corruption.
A total of 7,768 candidates, including 2,248 women and 5,520 men, compete amid allegations of vote-buying with voter cards sold for 300,000 Iraqi dinars and militia-linked parties like Kataib Hezbollah participating.
Campaigning has been marred by political violence, including the Oct. 15 car-bomb killing of Safaa al-Mashhadani, while the Popular Mobilization Forces retain autonomy despite military control and the U.S. urged al-Sudani to disarm militias.
Al-Sudani came to power in 2022 with backing from pro‑Iran parties but seeks to balance ties with Tehran and Washington, while analysts say premiership depends on political bloc agreements.

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Associated Press News

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Lean Left

Iraq faces elections at a delicate moment in the Middle East

Iraq is weeks away from parliamentary elections that will set the country’s course during one of the Middle East’s most delicate moments in years.

11 days ago·United States

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National Herald

Iraq heads for elections amid fragile balance in West Asia — but do the polls even matter?

Armed conflict, politically motivated violence and allegations of corruption are narrowing the field. And then there’s the US’ ‘interventions’ in the Middle East, per usual

11 days ago

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