Special Voting for Parliamentary Elections Begins Across Iraq

PUKMEDIA via Mohammed Rasul

Security forces waiting to cast their votes in one of the schools of Ranya, Sulaymaniyah.

The special voting process for Iraq’s parliamentary elections began on Sunday, 9 November 2025, and will continue until 6:00 PM on the evening of the same day.

Jumana al-Ghalai, spokesperson for the Independent High Electoral Commission (IHEC), told PUKMEDIA that “the number of military voters eligible for special voting is 1,313,980, distributed across 809 polling centres comprising 4,501 polling stations throughout the provinces.”

She added that “the special voting process for internally displaced persons (IDPs) has also commenced, with 26,538 IDP voters participating in 27 polling centres containing 97 polling stations.” Al-Ghalai confirmed that all logistical and technical preparations have been completed to ensure the smooth and orderly conduct of the voting process.

In an earlier statement to PUKMEDIA, al-Ghalai noted that “the total number of candidates stands at 7,743, while 848 candidates were disqualified after their files were reviewed and the necessary legal procedures were completed.” She reiterated that voting will be strictly limited to those holding biometric voter cards, emphasising that “no voter will be able to cast a ballot without one, as it is a secure verification method that cannot be used by anyone else.”

Nabard Omar, Head of the Kurdistan Region’s Electoral Board, stated during a press conference on Saturday that “all preparations for election day at all polling centres have been finalised, and all necessary materials are in place.” 

He added that 270,000 eligible voters will participate in the special voting process across 204 polling centres and 958 polling stations in the Region’s governorates, under the supervision of local and international observers.

It is noteworthy that the general voting is scheduled for 11 November.



PUKMEDIA