Iraq entered early voting on Sunday as military personnel and displaced citizens cast ballots ahead of Tuesday’s crucial parliamentary election. About 1.3 million members of the army and security services, along with roughly 26,000 displaced people, are eligible to participate. The election will decide whether Prime Minister Mohammed Shia al-Sudani secures a second term amid rising regional tensions involving Israel and Iran. A total of 7,744 candidates are contesting seats, most representing parties aligned with sectarian interests. Analysts say the outcome could shift Iraq’s political landscape and redefine its delicate balance between Tehran and Washington.
Election officials organized polling stations across the country to accommodate early voters. Security forces oversaw the process, emphasizing safety amid concerns over potential interference or unrest. Observers note that the sheer number of candidates and the complexity of alliances make the vote a key test for Iraq’s democratic institutions, which have struggled with internal divisions and external pressures for years.
Displaced Yazidis Take Part in Voting
Displaced Yazidis, who fled Islamic State attacks more than a decade ago, cast ballots from camps near Dohuk in Iraq’s semi-autonomous Kurdish region. Many still cannot return home because Sinjar’s infrastructure remains destroyed, and political disputes continue to block reconstruction. During its terror campaign, IS militants killed and enslaved thousands of Yazidis, whom they considered heretics.
Some Yazidi families have returned, but multiple armed groups still control parts of Sinjar, and reconstruction funds remain limited. Voter Edris Zozani chose the Kurdish Democratic Party (KDP), one of the two dominant Kurdish parties in the region. “Independent Yazidi candidates cannot represent us effectively,” he explained. “Strong parties like the KDP can secure resources and defend Yazidi interests in parliament.” His choice highlights the community’s ongoing struggle for political representation and safety, as well as their strategic approach to gaining influence in Baghdad’s complex political environment.
Election observers note that Yazidi participation also signals the persistence of minority communities in Iraq despite ongoing threats, limited infrastructure, and political marginalization. Analysts argue that their votes could influence broader Kurdish strategies in parliament and affect negotiations on local governance, reconstruction projects, and security arrangements.
Armed Forces and Militias Shape the Ballot
In Baghdad, soldiers, police, and members of the Popular Mobilisation Forces (PMF) also voted. The PMF, a coalition of mainly Shiite, Iran-backed militias, officially falls under Iraq’s military command but retains significant autonomy. Several PMF factions run political parties in the election, seeking to secure parliamentary influence.
The next parliament will face complex decisions regarding the PMF, including legislation to clarify its relationship with the formal military structure. Washington has expressed concerns about the increasing influence of Iran-backed militias in Iraq, highlighting the election’s international implications. A PMF fighter, speaking anonymously, said, “I voted for the list that defends the PMF.” Observers suggest that the militia’s electoral performance could determine Iraq’s future security policies, military oversight, and diplomatic posture in the region.
Analysts highlight that the combination of sectarian politics, militia influence, and minority representation makes this election one of the most consequential in Iraq’s recent history. Early voting by military personnel and displaced populations underscores both the logistical challenges and political importance of ensuring broad participation, as parties prepare for intense campaigning leading up to election day.
