Declining voter interest despite tense
Photo: Ali Rahim/AP/TT

Declining voter interest despite tense situation in Iraq

For the seventh time since the US-led invasion in 2003, Iraq is holding parliamentary elections. But despite a very uncertain situation throughout the region, voter interest is lukewarm.

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The main question is whether Prime Minister Mohammed Shia al-Sudani can remain in office for a second term. His first has been marked by the violent conflict between Iran, Israel and the United States, in which Iraq has had to try to keep good terms with all parties.

At the same time, many Iraqis are even more concerned about everyday issues such as lack of work and constant power outages.

At stake are 329 seats in parliament. 25 percent of them are reserved for women, and nine for religious minorities.

Voter turnout has steadily declined in recent elections. In 2018, the record low was 44 percent, but in 2021 it had fallen further to 41 percent. And this time, even fewer, 21.4 million Iraqis, have obtained voting cards.

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AuthorTT News AgencyEnglish edition by Sweden Herald, adapted for our readers
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