Mandalawi, Maliki stress importance of holding elections on ‘scheduled date’

BAGHDAD — First Deputy Speaker of Parliament Mohsen Al-Mandalawi met Thursday with State of Law Coalition leader Nouri Al-Maliki to discuss preparations for Iraq’s upcoming parliamentary elections, scheduled for Nov. 11.

In a statement from Al-Mandalawi’s office, both officials emphasized “the importance of adhering to the constitutionally scheduled date for the parliamentary elections,” describing it as a reflection of the people’s will.

Al-Maliki, a former prime minister, remains a key figure in Iraqi politics. His State of Law Coalition, which holds 38 seats in parliament, is a central member of the Coordination Framework alliance that backs the current government.

The two officials called for a “fair and transparent” vote that “genuinely reflects the aspirations of Iraqis in choosing competent representatives capable of leading the next phase.”

They concluded that the elections mark “a pivotal moment in restoring trust between the people and their constitutional institutions.”

Meanwhile, the Independent High Electoral Commission announced Thursday that special voting for security and military personnel will begin at 7 a.m. on Sunday, Nov. 9, while the electoral silence period will take effect at 7 a.m. on Saturday, Nov. 8.

Statement from Al-Mandalawi’s office:

First Deputy Speaker of the Council of Representatives Mohsen Al-Mandalawi met Thursday with the head of the State of Law Coalition, Nouri Al-Maliki, to discuss the latest political developments in the country, particularly the ongoing preparations for the upcoming parliamentary elections.

During the meeting, both sides emphasized the importance of adhering to the constitutionally scheduled date for the parliamentary elections, as a reflection of the people’s will and a means to preserve the state’s democratic course. They stressed the need for the electoral process to be fair, transparent, and genuinely reflective of Iraqis’ aspirations in choosing competent representatives capable of leading the next phase.

Al-Mandalawi and Al-Maliki also discussed ways to strengthen cooperation among national forces to ensure a stable electoral environment characterized by fair competition, away from practices that may undermine public trust in the political process. They affirmed that national unity and prioritizing the greater good are key to overcoming current challenges.

At the conclusion of the meeting, both parties reiterated that adhering to constitutional deadlines and legal frameworks demonstrates the state’s seriousness in reinforcing the democratic path and upholding the principle of peaceful power transfer. They affirmed that the upcoming elections will be a pivotal moment in restoring trust between the people and their constitutional institutions.