Peregraf
The Iraqi Independent High Election Commission (IHEC) has officially launched the process of verifying the names of candidates for the upcoming parliamentary elections, scheduled to take place on November 11, 2025.
In a statement, IHEC spokesperson Jumana Ghalai confirmed that the list of nominees has been submitted and the commission has begun auditing the data. “The verification process will take time, given the large number of candidates across the Iraqi provinces,” she said.
The audit aims to verify the accuracy of candidates’ information, ensure eligibility, and confirm that all requirements for self-nomination are met before the final list is forwarded to the relevant authorities. Ghalai also stressed that the commission will take legal action against anyone found involved in electoral violations. “The commission will file criminal cases against anyone found involved in buying voting cards or altering commission documents,” she warned.
According to IHEC, candidate submissions must be made through a specialized electronic program. Representatives of political parties are required to visit the IHEC office in Baghdad to receive a unique access code. Independent candidates must secure endorsements from at least 500 registered voters in their electoral district and submit their information via the same electronic platform.
Eligibility criteria for candidates include being Iraqi, fully qualified, at least 30 years old, and holding a bachelor’s degree. However, political parties and coalitions are permitted to nominate up to 20 percent of their candidates with only a high school diploma.
Candidates must also be of good character, have no convictions related to crimes of moral turpitude or financial and administrative corruption. They must not be members of the armed or security forces, sitting judges, or active election commission staff.
The upcoming election is a crucial step in shaping Iraq’s political future, with IHEC emphasizing transparency and legality throughout the electoral process.