Iraqi electoral commission begins ‘technical preparations’ for 2025 elections

BAGHDAD — The Iraqi Independent High Electoral Commission announced Monday that it has officially begun “technical preparations” for the 2025 parliamentary elections, confirming that the elections will be held on schedule 45 days before the current parliament’s term ends.

Omar Ahmed Mohammed, Chairman of the Board of Commissioners, told the state newspaper Al-Sabah, “The Commission has already started its technical preparations for conducting the 2025 parliamentary elections. Registration centers in the governorates are carrying out biometric voter registration, while the Commission’s departments and divisions are consulting and coordinating to prepare the electoral timeline and operational plans.” He added, “Preparations are also underway to initiate international and local contracts for procuring election materials, alongside other technical matters.”

Mohammed emphasized that, under the constitution, parliamentary elections must be held 45 days before the expiration of the current term. Since the current parliament began its first session on Jan. 9, 2022, the elections are expected to take place in October or November. “The Commission is fully prepared to conduct the electoral process on the scheduled date,” he said. He also stated that the current electoral law, Law No. 12 of 2018 (as amended), will be used for the upcoming elections.

On Jan. 8, Iraq’s three presidencies held a meeting to discuss various issues, most notably the preparations for the 2025 parliamentary elections, and emphasized the need to provide the logistical and technical resources required by the Independent High Electoral Commission. On Jan. 13, during a regular session, the Iraqi parliament voted to extend the term of the Board of Commissioners in the Electoral Commission, following a ruling by the Iraqi judiciary to extend the current commissioners’ term for an additional two years.