Al-Maliki warns of vote rigging in upcoming Iraqi elections

BAGHDAD – Nouri Al-Maliki, head of the State of Law Coalition and former Iraqi prime minister, warned of potential “rigging, buying, and selling of votes” in the upcoming parliamentary elections, slated for late next year. In a video message, Al-Maliki emphasized the significance of the elections, describing them as a “sacred and constitutional duty on which the state’s foundation is built and its pillars are stabilized.”

“Elections are a right and duty of the people; they are the cornerstone upon which the entire political process is based,” Al-Maliki stated, cautioning that any vote rigging or purchase of votes would undermine public confidence in the elections and the broader political system.

Al-Maliki also called on the “national media” to resist attempts to buy influence and spread misinformation.

In June, Al-Maliki urged for early elections by the end of 2024, arguing that Prime Minister Mohammed Shia Al-Sudani’s government is obligated to hold them as part of its electoral program. He also insisted that government officials should be barred from participating in the elections unless they resign from their positions.

Al-Maliki’s latest speech, seen as a renewed call for early elections, comes despite opposition from factions within the Coordination Framework, Iraq’s main governing coalition of Shia parties supported by Iran. Concerns are growing among the Framework groups that Al-Sudani might dominate the upcoming elections.

Since 2003, Iraq has held five parliamentary elections, with the most recent in October 2021. The 2021 elections were conducted under a multi-district system following significant public pressure and advocacy from the Sadrist Movement, despite opposition from the Coordination Framework.

In March 2023, the Iraqi parliament approved the third amendment to the election law, returning to the single-district-per-province system.