Iraq’s electoral commission imposes campaign restrictions ahead of November vote

BAGHDAD – Iraq’s Independent High Electoral Commission announced Thursday a new set of restrictions on election campaigning, including limitations on the use of government resources and closer scrutiny of online activity, as the country prepares for its November 11 parliamentary vote.

The one-month campaign period officially begins at midnight Friday.

Commission spokesperson Jumana al-Ghalai told the Iraqi News Agency that the commission is coordinating with Baghdad Municipality and other municipal departments for field oversight, and with the Communications and Media Commission to regulate campaigning through media channels. Specialized committees will also monitor social media content, she said.

The 2025 Campaign Regulation No. 4 outlines rules aimed at preventing misuse of public authority and state assets. “The instructions prohibit the misuse of job authority by state employees and local authorities, such as granting letters of appreciation, issuing appointment orders, or distributing residential land as electoral promises,” al-Ghalai said.

She added that campaign activities must not exploit official buildings, religious institutions, or use government emblems or the commission’s logo. The regulations also ban campaign funding from the general budget and prohibit any use of state personnel or resources for political purposes.

Al-Ghalai emphasized that the rules are designed to protect voters from coercion and ensure a fair campaign environment. “They forbid any form of pressure or coercion on voters or directing their will in favor of a candidate or political entity,” she said, adding that inflammatory rhetoric and content inciting violence or sectarian, ethnic, or tribal divisions are also banned.

The campaign period will end at 7 a.m. on Saturday, November 8. The commission has approved 7,768 candidates, including 2,248 women and 5,520 men.