Election monitors report more irregularities during Iraq’s parliamentary vote

NEWSROOM – The Alliance of National Networks and Organizations for Election Observation in Iraq released its second report Tuesday, citing a range of irregularities during the 2025 parliamentary voting process up to 3 p.m., based on data from field observers stationed across all 18 governorates.

Polling stations nationwide closed at 6 p.m., when voting machines automatically shut down, marking the end of balloting.

According to the Alliance, 186 cases were recorded of unauthorized individuals being present inside polling stations, while 203 political party and candidate agents were excluded from stations.

Observers documented 117 instances of voters casting ballots without presenting official identification and 178 cases of group voting. The report also noted 37 cases in which the voting process was obstructed.

The Alliance said it continues to collect and analyze data to produce a comprehensive assessment of the elections once counting concludes.

Earlier in the day, the Independent High Electoral Commission reported 23.9% turnout by midday, with about 4.8 million votes cast. Final figures will be announced after all counts are verified.

In its earlier report Tuesday, the Alliance documented procedural and technical issues during the morning opening phase of polling. It said 240 polling stations opened later than the scheduled 7 a.m. start time, while 133 stations reported staff absences before opening.

Monitors said 181 observers were prevented from entering polling centers and 173 cases involved political party agents being denied access. In 412 stations, procedures were not displayed or explained to those present before voting began.

Sunday’s special voting allowed more than 1.3 million security personnel and 26,000 displaced voters to cast ballots. The commission reported turnout of 82.52%, with more than 235,000 eligible participants abstaining.