IHEC Prepares to Hold Iraqi Provincial Council Elections in 2027

Iraqi Parliament's Media Office.

The meeting of the Finance Committee with the IHEC.

The Independent High Electoral Commission (IHEC) has confirmed plans to hold Iraq’s provincial council elections in 2027.

The announcement was made during a meeting between the Parliamentary Finance Committee and members of the IHEC on Monday. The meeting focused on the Commission’s operations, financial and technical requirements, and its allocation within the federal general budget law.

According to a statement issued by the Iraqi Parliament’s Media Office, the Committee received a detailed briefing on the observations and requirements of the judges serving on the Commission. The meeting also considered the possibility of reallocating funds within the IHEC’s budget to meet its operational needs.

Discussions further covered proposed amendments to the Commission’s law and the mechanism for using the Unified National Card in the voting process. Participants also examined ways to increase the number of polling stations and voting devices, particularly to accommodate newly eligible voters reaching the required voting age, and to ensure that all necessary arrangements are in place for the electoral process.

The IHEC outlined its preparations to hold the provincial council elections in 2027 and issue voter cards. It also explained the differences between the Unified National Card and the biometric voter card, as well as how each would be used during the electoral process.

Iraq’s most recent provincial council elections were held on **18 December 2023**, with voting taking place in 15 of the country’s 19 governorates, excluding the provinces that make up the Kurdistan Region.

The elections marked Iraq’s first provincial polls in a decade. The previous elections had been held in 2013, with subsequent polls repeatedly delayed amid political instability and widespread protests.

Official voter turnout was estimated at approximately 39% to 41%.



PUKMEDIA