Elections in Iraq

Elections in Iraq

When and where will the elections be held?

• The elections for seats in the Council of Representatives are scheduled for 10 October 2021 across all of Iraq.

Who sits on the Council of Representatives?

• There are 329 seats.
• 320 of those are distributed among the governorates within
• 83 constituencies defined under the new electoral system.

The remaining 9 seats are reserved for:

• Christians (5 seats from Baghdad, Dohuk, Erbil, Kirkuk, Ninewa)
• Yezidis (1 seat from Ninewa)
• Sabie Mandean (1 seat from Baghdad)
• Shabak (1 seat from Ninewa)
• Fayli Kurds (1 seat from Wasit)

Who can vote?

An eligible voter must be:

• an Iraqi citizen
• legally competent
• at least 18 years old in the year of the elections
• registered in the registry of voters

What is the electoral system in Iraq?

• Iraq uses the “Single Non-Transferable Vote” system.
• Each voter casts one vote for one candidate.
• Every constituency has more than one seat.
• Candidates who get the most votes win seats.

What is the UN’s role?

• To advise and assist the Government of Iraq and Independent High Electoral Commission on the planning and holding of free and fair Iraqi-led, Iraqi-owned elections
• To educate and inform Iraqi voters on election preparations and related UN activities
• To support electoral observers invited by the Government of Iraq
• To monitor election day

How many candidates are running?

• On 8 July 2021, Iraq’s Independent High Election Commission (IHEC) approved the final list of 3,244 candidates.
• Of those, 950 are women (29% of the total).

What are the eligibility criteria for candidates?

A candidate must:

• be a registered voter
• hold a high school certificate or its equivalent
• reside in the governorate where they are being nominated
• submit a supporting list of 500 registered voters from the same constituency of candidacy
• not be less than 28 years old
• not be covered by the Accountability and Justice Law
• not have been convicted of a crime of moral turpitude
• not be a member of the armed forces or security agencies upon nomination or a member of the previous or current Independent High Election Commission when nominated

How are women represented in the elections?

• According to the Constitution, 25% of all seats in the Council of Representatives are reserved for women.
• 1 seat in each of the 83 constituencies is set aside for female candidates.
• These are just minimums. More female candidates can be elected.

What is Iraq’s Independent High Election Commission (IHEC)?

• The only body that develops processes for holding Iraq’s national elections and referenda
• Created by the Iraqi Constitution
• Made up of a Board of Commissioners and Electoral Administration

What does Iraq’s Independent High Election Commission (IHEC) do?

• Adopts and implements regulations, instructions and policies for the administration of elections and referenda in Iraq
• Announces, conducts and oversees federal and local elections and referenda
• Promotes electoral culture, voter education and democratic practices