TEHRAN – The first phase of Iraq’s 2025 parliamentary elections has officially concluded, marking an important milestone in the run-up to the popular vote. With a participation rate of over 82%, the process witnessed smooth operation and high voting participation among members of the security forces and displaced populations.
Iraq’s Independent High Electoral Commission announced that the turnout of the special voting process for all security forces and troops, as well as displaced persons, reached 82.42%, indicating that the elections proceeded smoothly and with a high degree of accuracy.
Committee Chairman Omar Ahmed said in a press conference that the committee remains neutral toward all candidates. He noted that the total number of voters exceeded 1.1 million, adding that the commission was monitoring the voting process in all states through field teams. Ahmed said the results reflected both voter engagement and the smooth running of the electoral process.
In response, the commission’s legal advisor, Hassan Salman, said the special voting process was completed accurately without any violations or disruptions. He said the turnout was unprecedented. Salman added that the electronic system worked efficiently throughout the voting period and no technical issues were reported. He stressed that the Commission continues to take measures to ensure transparency and integrity in elections.
Observers say the success of the special voting process could have a major impact on the general election.
The high turnout among military and security personnel is seen as a sign of voters’ confidence in the electoral system and the procedures set out by the Independent High Electoral Commission.
This could encourage broader public participation on Tuesday, especially if the same level of organization and transparency is maintained.
Analysts also suggest that the smooth operation of the electronic system and the absence of technical or security problems during the special vote will increase public confidence in the commission’s operations. This trust is essential to ensuring a reliable and peaceful popular vote.
However, political experts warn that while the special voting process demonstrated strong logistical capabilities, the general election will pose greater challenges as the number of voters will be much larger and the political competition will be more complex. The commission must maintain close coordination with security forces and maintain oversight to prevent violations and disruptions.
The successful completion of the special voting phase provides a positive outlook for what will happen on Tuesday. If the same level of organization, transparency and voter enthusiasm continues, Iraq could witness one of the most orderly and reliable parliamentary elections since 2003.