Interior minister blocked from casting ballot due to special voting category

BAGHDAD, December 18 — The Independent High Electoral Commission (IHEC) said on Monday that Interior Minister Abdul Amir Al-Shammari was prevented from voting in the provincial elections because he was listed under the special voting category, contrary to rumors suggesting his card was not issued.

Reports had speculated that Al-Shammari was denied voting as a result of his name missing from a list of approved voters at his polling station.

Special voting for members of the police, security forces, popular mobilization forces (PMF), and other security-related entities took place on Saturday to allow agents and officers to provide security during Monday’s general election.