IHEC advances preparations for 2025 parliamentary elections with biometric card distribution

BAGHDAD — Iraq’s Independent High Electoral Commission said Thursday it is moving forward with preparations for the November parliamentary elections, including distribution of biometric voter cards and a final review of candidates.

The commission said 3.58 million biometric cards have been printed for voters who registered in 2024 or updated their records this year. Distribution will begin in September through 1,079 registration centers. Polling site layouts have also been finalized, with 39,285 polling stations across 8,703 centers, each serving about 550 voters and covering more than 20 million eligible Iraqis.

Hassan Salman, the commission’s legal adviser, said candidate vetting is still underway. “Results of the audit regarding parliamentary candidates are still being received from the concerned authorities, and the final results may be announced within the next two days,” he told the state news agency. He said more than 700 candidates have been excluded so far, though the number could change depending on appeals.

IHEC also said it is monitoring campaign practices. “Campaigns are linked to the regulations stipulated in System No. 4 on how parties, coalitions, and individual candidates conduct their campaigns, and penalties are determined according to the provisions outlined in the system,” Salman said.

Violations have been documented and referred to oversight bodies including the Integrity Commission and the Supreme Judicial Council, he added.