ALWAGHT- The people of Iraq are heading to the polls to elect a new parliament and determine the country’s political trajectory for the coming four years.
Polls in Iraq are set to close at 6 p.m. local time on Tuesday, with about 21 million eligible voters choosing representatives for the 329-seat parliament. Security forces and internally displaced citizens already cast ballots in early voting on Sunday, and preliminary results are expected within 24 hours, pending appeals.
Prime Minister Mohammed Shia al-Sudani, who is seeking a second term, praised the safe and stable voting environment, noting that the election is taking place on schedule and under international observation. The current parliament, led mostly by Shia blocs, will see its term end in early 2026.
The incoming parliament will elect the president and approve the next government, with the prime minister chosen by the coalition forming the largest bloc. Iraq’s power-sharing system traditionally allocates the presidency to Kurds, the premiership to Shias, and the speaker of parliament to Sunnis to maintain representation across major communities.
