Al-Mashhadani, Al-Hakim emphasize active voter participation ahead of elections

BAGHDAD — Parliament Speaker Mahmoud Al-Mashhadani met Tuesday with National Al-Hikma Movement leader Sayyid Ammar al-Hakim to discuss political developments, Iraq’s upcoming parliamentary elections, and the impact of regional dynamics on the country’s stability.

In a statement released by Al-Mashhadani’s media office, both leaders emphasized the need for broad participation in the Nov. 11 vote and called on national forces to unite to “overcome the current stage and achieve the aspirations of the Iraqi people for stability and development.”

The meeting comes as political parties across Iraq begin organizing campaigns for the country’s sixth parliamentary elections since 2003. The two sides highlighted the importance of creating a supportive political and social environment to ensure high voter engagement.

Voter turnout in Iraq’s previous two elections was historically low. The 2018 vote saw a participation rate of 44.5%, one of the lowest since the U.S.-led invasion. That figure dropped further in the 2021 early elections, held after widespread anti-government protests, with only 41% of registered voters casting ballots, according to the Independent High Electoral Commission.

Statement from Al-Mashhadani’s media office:

Speaker of the parliament Dr. Mahmoud Al-Mashhadani received Tuesday, in his official office, the head of the National Al-Hikma Movement, Sayyid Ammar Al-Hakim, in the presence of the Chairman of the Parliamentary Integrity Committee, MP Ziyad Al-Janabi.

The meeting discussed the latest political developments in the country and the region, regional developments and their impact on the Iraqi situation, in addition to discussions on ongoing preparations for the upcoming parliamentary elections and the need to create appropriate political and social environments to ensure broad popular participation.

Dr. Al-Mashhadani emphasized the importance of the role of national forces, foremost among them the National Al-Hikma Movement, in consolidating the foundations of the state and promoting the principle of the peaceful transfer of power through recourse to the ballot boxes. He praised the role of Sayyid Ammar Al-Hakim in strengthening national dialogue and supporting Iraqi unity.

For his part, Sayyid Ammar Al-Hakim expressed his support for the efforts being exerted by the parliament under the leadership of Dr. Al-Mashhadani to complete legislative paths and monitor executive performance, in a way that enhances citizens’ confidence in constitutional institutions.

Both sides agreed on the importance of active participation in the legislative elections, considering it a pivotal national entitlement that reinforces the democratic path. They affirmed the need for all national forces to unite to overcome the current stage and achieve the aspirations of the Iraqi people for stability and development.