The Independent High Electoral Commission (IHEC) released the final closing report for the special voting process on the upcoming 2025 parliamentary elections on Sunday.

A correspondent for the Iraqi News Agency (INA) reported that, following the conclusion of the special voting process, "the Independent High Electoral Commission IHEC closed polling stations across the country," at 6:00 pm local time.

Earlier today, the IHEC clarified that the special voting, which took place under international and UN monitoring and supervision and was covered by the media, was a process from which the commission emphasized its own non-involvement in disqualifying candidates.

“The IHEC is not involved in disqualifying candidates; rather, it is an organization that administers the electoral process. Its decisions are based on reports from the relevant authorities that verify the eligibility of candidates," IHEC spokesperson Jumana al-Ghalai told INA.

“The candidates’ data are referred to the relevant verification bodies, including the Accountability and Justice Commission, the Integrity Commission, the Ministries of Interior, Defense, Education, and Higher Education, in addition to the Criminal Registration Directorate, the Counter-Terrorism Directorates, the Popular Mobilization Forces, the Peshmerga, the National Security Service, the National Security Advisory, the Supreme Judicial Council, and even the Commission itself if information is received concerning a candidate,” the spokesperson explained.

She clarified that the Board of Commissioners disqualifies candidates based on data from official bodies, for reasons such as document forgery, a criminal record, or electoral crimes. This exclusion process is ongoing until the Federal Court approves the final election results, and while these disqualification decisions can be appealed in court within three days, the judiciary's ruling is final.

Voter turnout reaches 82.42%

The Independent High Electoral Commission announced the voter turnout for the special voting process, confirming it had reached 82.42%. 

During a press conference attended by an Iraqi News Agency (INA) reporter, IHEC Chairman Omar Ahmed stated that "the IHEC maintained impartiality towards all candidates."

He added that "the total number of voters in the special voting exceeded 1.1 million " out of 1.31 million eligible for voting, noting that "the voter turnout in the special voting process reached 82.42%."

The electorate includes roughly 1.29 million members of the security and military forces and around 26,500 internally displaced persons (IDPs), according to Shafaq.

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Security forces turnout in Iraq's special voting hits 60%

Prime Minister congratulates security forces for their participation

Prime Minister Mohammed Shia al-Sudani extended his congratulations to the security forces for their engaged and dutiful role in the elections.

In a statement published on the X platform, al-Sudani stated, “Brothers and sisters of our brave security and military forces, we first congratulate you on exercising your constitutional right and on your active and responsible participation in the elections, as well as on choosing your representatives in the upcoming parliament.”

He further emphasized the national obligation to safeguard the electoral process, adding, “At this crucial moment, we affirm that our national duty compels us to ensure a safe and stable electoral environment and to protect the electoral process from any breach or interference. The security and stability achieved today are the fruits of your awareness, discipline, and sacrifices, which have made our forces a model to be emulated.”

“Let us be worthy of the trust our people have placed in us, and let us make election day a testament to the awareness and loyalty of our security personnel to their homeland. Let us make these elections a model of discipline, commitment, awareness, and defense of citizens’ right to exercise their constitutional entitlement,” al-Sudani concluded.

No security breaches recorded during special voting

Additionally, the IHEC and the Supreme Security Committee announced Sunday that the special voting was completed without any recorded incidents.

Saad Maan, the head of the media committee for the election security team, informed Shafaq News that security protocols would remain active following the end of voting. He added that memory sticks holding the election data would be delivered using both ground and air transport to guarantee their safe arrival.

Ali Abbas al-Bayati, a spokesperson for the Kirkuk IHEC office, reported to Shafaq News that all planned polling centers had closed and that no significant problems had disrupted the proceedings. He characterized voter participation as positive, noting that "technical teams have started sealing the ballot boxes and moving them to storage facilities in line with standard procedures."

Head of Supreme Commitee for Election Security praises high turnout

Lt. Gen. Qais Al-Muhammadawi, head of Iraq's Supreme Committee for Election Security, announced that voter turnout for Iraq's special election exceeded 80%, a rate he described as unprecedented. He praised the security forces' performance as the best in recent years and confirmed the process was conducted without curfews, border closures, or pressure on personnel.

To ensure full participation, he stated that security personnel not on the special voting lists will be granted 48 hours of leave to vote in the general election, adding that the results from the special vote will not be publicized but will be delivered directly to political entities.

Furthermore, Lt. Gen. Al-Muhammadawi highlighted that for the general election, all security units will focus on securing districts. He noted that Coordination with the Kurdistan Region is high, and two of its airports will be used to transport ballot materials to Baghdad for counting.

Iraq kicks off 2025 parliamentary elections

The 2025 parliamentary elections in Iraq are scheduled for November 11, with 329 seats in the Council of Representatives up for grabs. The elections come amid widespread frustration over corruption, unemployment, and inadequate public services.

Nearly 7,900 candidates are competing under dozens of political parties and coalitions. This election could test the durability of Iraq’s sectarian power-sharing system and offer a window for emerging political movements to gain ground.

Major factors shaping the vote include the Popular Mobilization Forces, foreign intervention, and urgent economic and security challenges.

The election’s success depends not only on turnout but also on whether the process is perceived as fair and credible. While officials emphasize readiness, public confidence in political institutions remains low.