Al-Sudani Vows Iraq’s November 11 Elections Will Be Held on Time with Free and Safe Voting

Peregraf

Prime Minister Mohammed Shia' Al-Sudani has pledged that Iraq’s parliamentary elections, scheduled for November 11, 2025, will be held on time and under conditions that ensure free participation and the safety of both voters and candidates.

According to the Prime Minister’s media office, Al-Sudani made the remarks on Tuesday during a celebration organized by the Iraqi Democracy Observatory in Baghdad to mark the International Day of Democracy. The event coincided with the 18th anniversary of the United Nations’ designation of September 15 as a day dedicated to democratic principles worldwide.

In his speech, Al-Sudani declared that his government would not tolerate any attempt to disrupt or distort the upcoming vote. He stressed that Iraq’s Independent High Electoral Commission had received full support to guarantee transparent procedures and secure the polling process. "We will ensure the safety of candidates and free voting for all Iraqis," the Prime Minister said, underscoring the administration’s resolve to strengthen Iraq’s democratic framework.

The Prime Minister linked the importance of next November’s elections to the country’s recent history, recalling the sacrifices Iraqis endured under dictatorship. He spoke of the mass graves, the chemical attack on Halabja, the Anfal campaign, and decades of repression and war that destroyed communities and drained resources. Iraq, he said, transitioned from that dark chapter into a parliamentary democracy anchored in a permanent constitution and has since completed five electoral cycles.

Al-Sudani argued that despite shortcomings, the democratic system remains one of Iraq’s most significant achievements and must be safeguarded. He warned against political forces or propaganda seeking to fabricate illusions about the past, saying that young Iraqis must be aware of the oppression endured under the former regime. "Iraq under dictatorship was a vast prison," he said, stressing that a return to authoritarianism is not an option.

The Prime Minister also highlighted broader elements of his government program, including reforms aimed at strengthening state institutions, ending the misuse of arms outside state control, fighting corruption, and improving living standards through reconstruction and development projects. He emphasized that democracy can only be sustained through strong institutions, respect for the law, and protection of public freedoms without infringing on the rights of others.

Observers note that the November elections come at a sensitive time, with regional tensions high and domestic political rivalries sharpening. Al-Sudani’s insistence on holding the vote as scheduled is seen as an effort to reinforce confidence in Iraq’s political process and to counter speculation about possible delays. The Prime Minister also drew attention to the broader international recognition Iraq has gained since moving beyond dictatorship, pointing to the completion of the UN Assistance Mission’s mandate and the transition from coalition operations to bilateral relations with partner states.

As the official campaign period approaches on October 10, Al-Sudani’s message was clear: Iraq’s sixth parliamentary elections will be a test of the country’s democratic resilience. "There is no alternative to the constitutional democratic path uniting all Iraqis," he declared, positioning the November vote as both a reaffirmation of democratic gains and a critical step in shaping Iraq’s political future.