Al-Sudani urges voter turnout ahead of Nov. 11 elections

BAGHDAD — Prime Minister Mohammed Shia Al-Sudani on Saturday told tribal leaders and dignitaries from northern Baghdad that Iraq had “overcome difficult phases that once tore through communities, cities, and lives with violence, destruction, and strife,” according to a statement from his media office.

Speaking at the meeting, Al-Sudani said Iraq today “enjoys security and stability achieved through precious sacrifices.”

The prime minister described upcoming parliamentary elections, scheduled for November 11, as “an important electoral milestone,” stressing that “citizens’ awareness will be decisive in shaping Iraq’s political future.” He warned that abstention “would have consequences,” and said the government requires “a significant, influential parliamentary bloc to maximize its achievements.”

Statement from Al-Sudani’s media office:

Prime Minister Mohammed S. Al-Sudani today, Saturday, met with tribal leaders and dignitaries from northern Baghdad, in the presence of former Deputy Prime Minister Mr. Baha Al-Araji.

The Prime Minister affirmed that the country has overcome difficult phases that once tore through communities, cities, and lives with violence, destruction, and strife. He noted that the awareness and unity of the Iraqi people thwarted these plots, and Iraq today enjoys security and stability achieved through precious sacrifices.

The Prime Minister explained that the government, in less than three years, has achieved major accomplishments despite abnormal regional circumstances and events. It acted with wisdom and responsibility, prioritizing the interests of Iraq and its people. He emphasized that the country is now on the right path with a clear vision in governance and addressing challenges.

The Prime Minister also highlighted the upcoming important electoral milestone, stressing that citizens’ awareness will be decisive in shaping Iraq’s political future. He warned that abstaining from participation would have consequences, adding that the government needs a significant, influential parliamentary bloc to maximize its achievements.

Key points from the Prime Minister’s remarks:

🔷 Baghdad, with its districts and towns, has suffered greatly from terrorism, which hindered institutions and local governments from fulfilling their duties.

🔷 There was poor planning, poor management, and corruption despite the allocation of significant funds in successive budgets.

🔷 Baghdad’s population now exceeds 9.5 million according to the latest census, marking a 35% increase, which puts heavy pressure on services.

🔷 The Service Effort Team has implemented projects in neighborhoods that had not seen services for years.

🔷 Citizens today witness concrete measures to address stalled and delayed projects, particularly in Baghdad.

🔷 The rehabilitation of Baghdad’s northern entrance is a sustainable and integrated project, and citizens have expressed satisfaction with the completed service projects.

🔷 We are working to improve Iraq’s economic and financial situation, with reform plans in place to invest in human and natural resources and diversify sources of the economy.