Iraqi Sunnis who were displaced by the Islamic State (IS) could now be forced to move again, this time as pawns of political maneuvering by parties seeking an advantage in the upcoming provincial elections. The issue may be moot as far as the elections go, however, as other obstacles are likely to delay the vote, currently set for May.

More than 3.2 million Iraqis remain displaced within the country, according to Refugees International, and most of them have been displaced since 2014, when IS began making major gains in the country.

The National Forces Alliance political party, which represents Sunnis, says it will accept holding Iraqi elections on time as long as the "internally displaced" citizens are able to return to their homes in time to vote. But recent reports show some people are being forced to return prematurely, allegedly so elections can be held on time.

The US Embassy in Iraq confirmed these reports in a statement issued Nov. 27 and said that “forcing the displaced to return before they are ready puts their interests and safety at risk and may lead to their displacement again.”