IHEC: Ready to Hold Elections on Time

PUKMEDIA

IHEC's logo.

Iraq’s Independent High Electoral Commission (IHEC) has reaffirmed its technical, administrative, and logistical readiness to conduct the legislative elections as scheduled on 11 November 2025, underscoring that the United Nations’ involvement in the process remains technical and supportive, in line with legal provisions.

Omar Ahmed Mohammed, Chairman of the IHEC Board of Commissioners, told Al-Sabah newspaper that the Commission is fully equipped to oversee the electoral process on the designated date.

He stated: “The IHEC has finalised the operational timetable for the elections, which has been approved by the Board of Commissioners. This schedule outlines detailed timings for all phases of the electoral process.” Mohammed emphasised the Commission’s complete readiness to proceed as planned.

On the legal framework governing the upcoming elections, Mohammed clarified: “The elections will be conducted under the amended Law No. 12 of 2018 on the Elections of Parliament and Provincial and District Councils.”

He further explained that the IHEC is the sole executive authority legally mandated to manage and organise the electoral process. 

Regarding the United Nations’ role, he noted that it is limited to providing technical assistance and advice through its experts. 

“Article 21 of Commission Law No. 31 of 2019 stipulates that the Commission may seek the expertise of the United Nations Electoral Assistance Office at various stages of election and referendum preparation and implementation,” he said.

Addressing the involvement of specialised companies, the Chairman stated: “In accordance with Article 10/Third of the current electoral law, the Commission is required to contract a reputable international technology firm to audit the voting machines’ software and related components. To this end, the IHEC has engaged a German technology company, fulfilling the requirements of the Elections Law.”

The IHEC launched the renewal process for voter cards and biometric data on 24 March 2025, with the campaign scheduled to run until 23 May. This initiative forms part of broader efforts to ensure a transparent and inclusive electoral process ahead of Iraq’s parliamentary elections, which are set for 11 November 2025.

The previous parliamentary elections, held on 10 October 2021, resulted in the election of 329 members to Iraq’s fifth parliamentary session. Voter turnout at that time stood at 42.15 percent, with the new parliament convening for its inaugural session on 9 January 2022.



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