Iraqis went to the polls Tuesday to elect a new 329-member parliament, with voting set to close at 6 p.m. local time. Prime Minister Mohammed Shia al-Sudani is seeking a second term, but expectations for change remain low in a system long dominated by powerful, patronage-driven parties.
Why It Matters:
Analysts predict another record-low turnout, reflecting widespread frustration over corruption, unemployment, and poor services. With populist cleric Moqtada al-Sadr boycotting, many Iraqis doubt the elections will alter the entrenched political order that divides up power and oil wealth among elites.
Prime Minister Sudani’s bloc: Expected to win the most seats but not a majority.
Shi’ite, Sunni, and Kurdish parties: Likely to engage in lengthy negotiations to form a coalition.
United States and Iran: Competing for influence over Iraq’s next government and its armed groups.
Iraqi youth: Growing disillusioned, yet some still running as independent candidates.
What’s Next:
Results are expected within days, followed by months of coalition talks. The next government faces twin pressures to deliver reforms at home and manage the delicate balance between Washington and Tehran amid regional instability.
With information from Reuters.
