SULAIMANI (ESTA) — The Iraqi independent high electoral commission (IHEC) is set to open registrations in July for parties and electoral lists as preparations for forthcoming provincial elections, according to a statement on Monday.
Registrations for political parties wishing to participate the upcoming provincial elections begin on Saturday 7/1/2023 until Sunday 7/30/2023, a statement released by the electoral commission read.
In March, Iraqi lawmakers passed controversial amendments to the country’s election law that could undermine the chances for smaller parties and independent candidates to win seats in future polls.
The amendments increase the size of electoral districts, a move widely backed by the Coordination Framework, a coalition of Iran-backed parties.
The amendments also reverse key articles passed ahead of the 2021 federal election and redraw the electoral maps to have Iraq return to one electoral district per each governorate.
Iraq’s provincial elections are scheduled for Dec. 18, the country’s first local vote in a decade. Independent candidates fear the elections under the new law will empower ruling parties, which they accuse of rampant corruption.
The Iraqi government has not yet scheduled the country’s next general elections.
