Peregraf
The Iraqi Independent High Electoral Commission (IHEC) has officially opened the door for the submission of candidate lists for the upcoming parliamentary elections, scheduled to take place on November 11, 2025. The nomination period will remain open until June 24.
According to Marwan Mohammed, head of IHEC’s Erbil office, candidates must submit their applications through a newly introduced electronic system. While representatives of political parties are required to visit the IHEC headquarters in Baghdad to obtain a special access code, individual candidates must meet additional criteria.
"An independent candidate must secure the support of 500 registered voters from their electoral district," Mohammed said. "Their information must be submitted electronically and verified through the national voter registry."
To be eligible, a candidate must be an Iraqi citizen over the age of 30, hold a bachelor's degree, and possess full legal and civil capacity. Candidates must also have a clean legal record, free from convictions related to dishonor or financial and economic corruption.
Moreover, active members of the armed and security forces, sitting judges, and current members of the election commission are barred from running.
The process marks a crucial step in Iraq's efforts to prepare for a pivotal national vote, amid calls for political reform and greater transparency.