Media regulator issues broadcast restrictions ahead of Iraq’s electoral silence period

BAGHDAD — Iraq’s Communications and Media Commission on Thursday issued a set of directives for media outlets and online platforms to follow during the electoral silence period, which begins Saturday morning, Nov. 8.

The commission said “media institutions must refrain from broadcasting any electoral coverage for candidates, alliances, or political entities during the silence period,” stressing that the ban applies to both direct and indirect campaigning.

Coordinated with the Independent High Electoral Commission, the guidelines require all outlets to suspend any programming that could be interpreted as political promotion. “Any speech or media content indicating support or opposition to a candidate or political entity shall be considered electoral propaganda,” the statement said.

It further instructed broadcasters and online platforms not to air any material that includes promotional content or seeks to “discredit competing candidates or entities during the silence period.”

Iraq will hold parliamentary elections on Nov. 11, with special voting for security and military personnel scheduled for Nov. 9.

A total of 7,768 candidates are contesting this year’s vote. Campaigning, which began on Oct. 3, will conclude on Friday, the day before the silence period. The electoral commission has said preliminary results will be announced within 24 hours of the polls closing, while biometric card distribution will continue through election day.