Iraqi PM Announces Candidacy for 2025 Parliamentary Elections

Iraqi Prime Minister Mohammed Shia al-Sudani has announced his candidacy for the upcoming Iraqi parliamentary elections, signaling his intention to remain an influential figure in the country’s political future. According to Sky News, the announcement was made as part of his strategy to form political alliances that will shape Iraq's path forward in the coming years.

Political observers, however, have expressed skepticism about al-Sudani’s chances of securing another term as Prime Minister. Many suggest that the political landscape may not be as favorable as the Prime Minister anticipates, raising questions about his prospects for another leadership term.

In a related development, on Tuesday, Prime Minister al-Sudani met with Judge Omar Ahmed Mohammed, the Chief Commissioner of the Independent High Electoral Commission (IHEC), to review preparations for Iraq's October 2025 parliamentary elections. The discussions centered on logistical planning, resource allocation, and ensuring an orderly and efficient voting process. Voter register updates and efforts to enroll new voters were also discussed, with the aim of encouraging broad participation, according to a statement from the Prime Minister’s media office.

Electoral Commission’s Nationwide Voter Registration Update

On the same day, the IHEC launched a nationwide voter registration update for the October 2025 parliamentary elections, which will run through April 25. This process includes new registrations, biometric updates, as well as corrections and deletions, particularly for displaced persons and security personnel.

In Basra, initial reports from the provincial elections’ office indicated moderate turnout, with 32% of voters yet to update their records. Officials are urging citizens born in 2007, now eligible to vote, to obtain their biometric voter cards in time for the election.

Nabrad Omar, head of the Elections Commission in the Kurdistan Region, also called on residents of Erbil, Duhok, and Sulaymani to visit one of the 173 registration centers to either obtain or renew their electronic voter cards. He noted that voter transfers in areas covered by Article 140 remain restricted, though exceptions exist for married women and children of eligible voters.

A Shift in Iraq’s Political Landscape

As Iraq’s political landscape continues to shift, particularly with the expected decrease in the influence of Iran-backed militia groups, the October 2025 elections will be a critical moment in determining the country’s direction. These militia groups have long held significant influence over Iraq's government and political decisions, but US pressures on Iraq to dismantle these groups and reduce their ties with Iran are driving a notable shift. The push to sever Iraq’s strong links with Iran could positively alter the political landscape in ways that will benefit the future of the country.

The voter registration update marks a significant step toward ensuring broader participation and accuracy in the election process. With political alliances evolving and new candidates emerging, the election will serve as a key turning point in Iraq’s democracy. The success of these elections will depend not only on voter turnout but on the ability to conduct a transparent and organized voting process. The upcoming elections will be pivotal in shaping Iraq's political future and ensuring the legitimacy of its government in the years to come.

(Source:Kurdistan24)