Skip to main content

Iraq’s general elections pushed to October

The added time shores up Baghdad’s preparations for a more legitimate election process; but time is running out for protesters who fear the government will ignore their demands.
Employees of Iraq's Independent High Electoral Commission Center register voters in the southern Iraqi city of Nasiriyah in the Dhi Qar province, on January 12, 2021. - Iraq's early parliamentary elections were promised by the PM for June but according to officials and politicians they are highly unexpected to be held without several month of delay. (Photo by Asaad NIAZI / AFP) (Photo by ASAAD NIAZI/AFP via Getty Images)

Early elections are arriving late to Baghdad, as Iraq’s Cabinet voted on Tuesday to postpone the general election from June 6 to Oct. 10. 

The decision was issued after a proposal submitted by Iraq’s Electoral Commission to the Council of Ministers earlier this week to resolve “technical” needs to ensure a transparent electoral process, according to the office of Iraq’s Prime Minister Mustafa al-Kadhimi. Without providing details on what those issues are, the statement read that resolving the issues “would ensure the integrity of the elections and equal opportunities for everyone to run in the elections freely and fairly.”

But time is running out for activists who are growing disillusioned about Iraq’s electoral process and frustrated that the government’s stalling is an attempt to ignore their demands. 

Last July, Kadhimi set the ambitious goal of June 6, 2021, as the date for the general election, almost a year ahead of schedule. 

The decision was seen by observers as a move to appease a key demand of anti-government protesters. Large demonstrations across the country erupted in October 2019 and appealed for, among other issues, fairer elections and changes to Iraq’s voting process and elections committee. Activists cited widespread fraud in the 2018 nationwide vote and some Iraqis now say they have little faith in Iraq’s electoral system.

On Jan. 14, Kadhimi, President Barham Salih, parliament Speaker Mohammed al-Halbusi and head of the Supreme Judicial Council Faiq Zaidan met with officials from the Electoral Commission and United Nations representative Jeanine Hennis-Plasschaert to discuss the elections.

A statement after the meeting indicated that postponing the process would give time for candidates, political alliances, new political forces and young people to register and submit candidate lists.

Part of the meeting was also dedicated to including international efforts to monitor the vote. The decision to host early elections was initially met with praise from the global community. The United Nations said the early elections would promote “greater stability and democracy.”

A major hurdle to holding the early elections was cleared in October when Iraq’s parliament passed the final version of its legislative electoral law. 

But a number of prerequisites still need to be achieved. Parliament needs to pass the Federal Court Act and implement Article 64 of the constitution, which would disband the Council of Representatives in preparation for an early vote. 

And the government still has to replace the Federal Court with a constitutionally mandated panel or at least fill vacant seats on the bench. The court, responsible for validating election results and hearing appeals about those results, is currently unable to operate after a judge retired. Without this body, the results of any general vote will not be approved.

Join hundreds of Middle East professionals with Al-Monitor PRO.

Business and policy professionals use PRO to monitor the regional economy and improve their reports, memos and presentations. Try it for free and cancel anytime.

Already a Member? Sign in

Free

The Middle East's Best Newsletters

Join over 50,000 readers who access our journalists dedicated newsletters, covering the top political, security, business and tech issues across the region each week.
Delivered straight to your inbox.

Free

What's included:
Our Expertise

Free newsletters available:

  • The Takeaway & Week in Review
  • Middle East Minute (AM)
  • Daily Briefing (PM)
  • Business & Tech Briefing
  • Security Briefing
  • Gulf Briefing
  • Israel Briefing
  • Palestine Briefing
  • Turkey Briefing
  • Iraq Briefing
Expert

Premium Membership

Join the Middle East's most notable experts for premium memos, trend reports, live video Q&A, and intimate in-person events, each detailing exclusive insights on business and geopolitical trends shaping the region.

$25.00 / month
billed annually

Become Member Start with 1-week free trial
What's included:
Our Expertise AI-driven

Memos - premium analytical writing: actionable insights on markets and geopolitics.

Live Video Q&A - Hear from our top journalists and regional experts.

Special Events - Intimate in-person events with business & political VIPs.

Trend Reports - Deep dive analysis on market updates.

Text Alerts - Be the first to get breaking news, exclusives, and PRO content.

All premium Industry Newsletters - Monitor the Middle East's most important industries. Prioritize your target industries for weekly review:

  • Capital Markets & Private Equity
  • Venture Capital & Startups
  • Green Energy
  • Supply Chain
  • Sustainable Development
  • Leading Edge Technology
  • Oil & Gas
  • Real Estate & Construction
  • Banking

We also offer team plans. Please send an email to pro.support@al-monitor.com and we'll onboard your team.

Already a Member? Sign in

Start your PRO membership today.

Join the Middle East's top business and policy professionals to access exclusive PRO insights today.

Join Al-Monitor PRO Start with 1-week free trial