Peregraf- The Iraqi Independent High Electoral Commission (IHEC) on Sunday reaffirmed that voter cards are protected by advanced security measures, including triple fingerprint verification, and are automatically disabled for 72 hours after each use to prevent misuse in the upcoming Iraqi Parliamentary elections scheduld for November 11, 2025.
Deputy Spokesperson of IHEC Nibras Abu Sawda told the Iraqi News Agency (INA) that the Commission is monitoring reports about some parties or individuals attempting to collect or purchase voter cards, warning that such actions constitute a serious electoral crime.
"These practices, if proven, directly threaten the integrity of the electoral process and the will of the voters. The Commission cannot tolerate or be lenient with such violations," Abu Sawda said.
She added that confirmed violations would result in strict deterrent measures, including disqualification of the candidate and referral to the judiciary for legal penalties.
The IHEC highlighted that voter cards are designed to be used exclusively by their owners. In exceptional cases, the card may be handed to a verified family member, with all personal data checked, to prevent circulation or manipulation.
Electoral card-related crimes fall under the Iraqi Penal Code and Election Law No. 12 of 2018, as amended by Law No. 4 of 2023, and include illegal possession, buying or selling cards, impersonating voters, or using cards to influence election results. Penalties may include imprisonment, fines, and disqualification from elections.
Abu Sawda stressed, "Protecting the voter’s will and safeguarding election integrity is a shared national responsibility," urging all citizens and political parties to comply with the law and avoid any practices that could undermine public confidence in the electoral process.