Iraq holds special voting for security forces ahead of parliamentary elections

Iraq has completed special early voting for security forces and displaced citizens ahead of next week's parliamentary elections, with electoral officials reporting strong participation and no significant disruptions. The Independent High Electoral Commission confirmed that polling stations closed at 6:00 PM local time Sunday, with vote counting commencing immediately following the conclusion of the special voting process.

High Voter Turnout

Commission legal adviser Hassan Salman described the participation as "large and unprecedented for a special voting," noting that no violations or delays were reported during the electoral process. Prime Minister Mohammed Shia al-Sudani commended security personnel for their "active and conscientious" participation, acknowledging their dual role as both voters and providers of election security during the upcoming general voting. Over 1.3 million military and security personnel were eligible to cast ballots across 809 polling centers nationwide.

Inclusive Voting Arrangements

The special voting included 26,538 internally displaced citizens who voted at 97 polling stations within 27 specially designated centers. By midday Sunday, voter turnout among security personnel had reached 60%, according to electoral commission data. Interior Minister Abdul Amir Al Shammari confirmed that the voting proceeded smoothly in fully secured electoral facilities, ensuring both accessibility and security for all participants.

Upcoming General Elections

The November 11 parliamentary elections will see 7,768 candidates competing for 329 seats in the Council of Representatives, which holds responsibility for electing Iraq's president and confirming government leadership. Approximately 21 million Iraqis are eligible to participate in the general election, which follows Iraq's traditional power-sharing arrangement that distributes leadership positions among Shia, Sunni, and Kurdish communities.