Iraq to keep voter registration centers open during holidays ahead of 2025 elections

BAGHDAD — Iraq’s Independent High Electoral Commission said Thursday that voter registration centers will stay open during official holidays and other public occasions as the country prepares for a parliamentary election expected no later than Nov. 25, 2025.

“The centers traditionally remain open during holidays each electoral cycle, especially when deadlines approach,” commission media team member Nibras Abu Sawda told the state-owned Al-Sabah newspaper.

The commission began updating the voter register on Tuesday. The process will run for one month and is being conducted at 1,079 centers in all Iraqi governorates.

Abu Sawda said extended operating hours will make it easier for citizens to update their records without disrupting their regular schedules.

Meanwhile, the Council of Ministers announced a one-week break for public-sector workers in observance of Eid al-Fitr, which marks the end of Ramadan.