Iraq’s National Security Service Arrests 46 for Electoral Card Fraud as Election Campaigns Begin

Peregraf- The Iraqi National Security Service (INSS) announced on Saturday the arrest of 46 individuals accused of buying and selling voter cards, seizing a total of 1,841 cards during security operations across four governorates.

According to a statement from the INSS Directorate of Relations and Media, detachments from the Tactical Regiment carried out separate operations in Baghdad, Anbar, Diwaniyah and Nineveh. The arrested suspects and seized cards were referred to the competent judicial authorities for legal action.

The development comes as the Independent High Electoral Commission (IHEC) officially approved the final lists of candidates eligible to participate in Iraq’s parliamentary elections scheduled for November 11, 2025. 

IHEC spokesperson Jumana Ghalai told Peregraf on Wednesday that 7,768 candidates have been cleared to run, including 2,248 women and 5,520 men. She confirmed that campaigning officially began on Friday, October 3, and will continue until 7:00 a.m. on November 8, just days before Iraqis head to the polls. 

In efforts to ensure credibility, Ghalai revealed that the commission is employing enhanced security measures in the printing of ballot papers. A total of 22,046,200 ballots have been allocated to the general electorate, with an additional 1,509,300 designated for special voting. Reserves have also been printed to cover logistical needs.

The ballots, printed under strict security protocols in the United Arab Emirates, include hidden markers, anti-copying technology, special inks, and paper containing security features similar to those used in banknotes. Half of the printing has already been completed, with the rest expected to be finalized according to the commission’s schedule.

The arrest of suspects involved in voter card fraud highlights ongoing concerns about electoral integrity, even as IHEC reassures citizens and political parties that the upcoming vote will be conducted with transparency and credibility.