Iraq to suspend classes in November as schools prepare to serve as polling centers

BAGHDAD — Iraq’s Ministry of Education announced the suspension of official classes from Nov. 5 to 13 to accommodate preparations for the country’s parliamentary elections, scheduled for Nov. 11.

According to a directive from the ministry, all schools designated as polling centers will be handed over to the Independent High Electoral Commission during this period. The move follows instructions from the Prime Minister’s Office and is intended to facilitate “necessary maintenance operations, camera installation, and storage of election materials,” the document stated.

The ministry also instructed education directorates across Baghdad and other governorates to coordinate with IHEC to organize workshops and voter awareness sessions, urging citizens to collect their biometric cards and participate in the vote.

IHEC is also set to hold a draw of lots on Aug. 5 to assign ballot numbers to political alliances, parties, and independent candidates contesting the election.