Iraq’s election commission removes ‘56’ From ballot draw to avoid ‘fraud’ stigma

BAGHDAD — Iraq’s Independent High Electoral Commission has removed the number 56 from the sequence of numbers assigned to political alliances, parties, and independent candidates for the upcoming parliamentary elections scheduled for November 11. Officials say the number carries a powerful negative association in Iraqi society.

Commission spokesperson Jumana Al-Ghalai said the decision was made “due to its social connotations.” In Iraqi slang, “56” is shorthand for a fraudster or scammer, a meaning rooted in Article 456 of the Iraqi Penal Code, which criminalizes theft and fraud. Over time, the number has been used in everyday speech to label corrupt individuals, especially in politics.

Assigning this number to an electoral list could be perceived as mocking the candidate or suggesting dishonesty, potentially influencing voters. For this reason, the commission has removed 56 in past elections as well, continuing the practice this year to avoid any controversy or ridicule.

The ballot number draw will instead begin at 201. According to the commission, 31 alliances, 38 parties, 76 candidates, 23 independent candidates for general seats, and 53 independent candidates for minority or component seats will receive numbers in the draw.