The Independent High Commissioner for Elections invited satellite-only photographers to attend the conference tomorrow, Tuesday, at 5 p.m., at the National Office of the Green Zone near the House of Representatives to announce the preliminary results of the vote.
Shafaq News/ The Iraqi High Electoral Commission (IHEC) confirmed that the preliminary results of the provincial and district elections will be announced this evening.
IHEC spokesperson Jumana Al-Ghalai told Shafaq News Agency that the E-results regarding the votes obtained by coalitions, parties, and individual candidates will be disclosed today.
Al-Ghalai pointed out that some electoral stations are still undergoing auditing; however, they will be opened to the scrutiny of parties, local and international observers, and the United Nations for manual counting and sorting following legal provisions, culminating in the final and complete results.
After polls were closed on Monday at 06:00 pm, the Electoral Commission reported 6,599,668 voters in both general and private votes, with a voting percentage of 41%.
These elections cover 15 out of 18 provinces, with three provinces in the Kurdistan Region excluded.
“The IMF has released the funds to all countries. US Banks have LIVE RATES on the bank screen.
We expect for this to GO officially Tues or Wed as Iraq’s budget is to be released Wed. 20 Dec. now with 10 days to spend 80% of the money. …(Tier4b will be notified) immediately, or no later thanWed. 20 Dec. We need 10 days to get in there before the first of January (when the General Public goes).”
Iraq’s Historic Provincial Elections: A Turning Point in Governance
As the sun rose over Iraq on December 18, the nation held its breath. After a decade-long hiatus, the people of Iraq were casting their votes in the first provincial elections, a historic moment for the country. With 7,166 polling centers opening under stringent security measures, the stage was set for a democratic exercise of monumental significance, particularly for the ethnically diverse city of Kirkuk.
A Crucial Test for Governance
The elections were not just about filling 285 seats in provincial councils from a pool of 5,901 candidates. They were seen as a litmus test for the government of Prime Minister Mohammed Shia al-Sudani, whose focus has been on economic populism and the development of public services. The results would likely set the tone for the parliamentary elections slated for 2025, shaping the future of a nation still recovering from the scars of war and conflict.
Shi’ite Muslim Alliance’s Grip on Power
The ruling Shi’ite Muslim alliance was expected to consolidate its power amidst a boycott by populist cleric Moqtada al-Sadr. With an early voter turnout of 67 percent, the alliance appeared poised to control significant local councils, thereby securing access to state oil wealth. However, the provincial councils have long been accused of being hotbeds of corruption and perpetuating clientelism, casting a long shadow over the democratic process.
The Importance of Kirkuk’s Elections
Particular attention was drawn to Kirkuk, a city that had not witnessed local elections since 2005. Kirkuk’s acting governor, Rakan al-Jabouri, has been under scrutiny for allegedly encouraging Arabization policies, putting the city’s diverse ethnic composition at risk. The elections were deemed ‘special and historic,’ marking a significant turning point for Kirkuk’s governance. Iraq’s Justice Minister Khalid Shwani voiced concerns over technical issues, especially the inability to capture some voters’ fingerprints, which could potentially skew the results. Despite these challenges, Shwani urged the Kurdish population to actively participate in the elections, asserting the importance of their votes in supporting Kurdish parties and combating racially discriminative governance.
The provincial elections in Iraq, therefore, were not just about electing local representatives but also about shaping the future of a nation still grappling with the specter of its past. The outcome will undoubtedly have far-reaching implications, not just for Iraq but also for the region at large.
Jalal Talabani’s Party Secures Victory in Kirkuk: Shaping the Future of Coexistence among Iraqi Nations in Provincial Elections, 18 DEC
The Iraqi provincial elections reshaped Kirkuk’s political landscape as Kurdish lists secured eight seats, marking a significant win for the Kurdistan Patriotic Union (PUK), the party of Jalal Talabani, the former president of Iraq. Beyond Kirkuk, the broader implications for Kurdish influence in Iraq’s provincial councils unfolded amidst regional variations and intricate political dynamics.
Snapshot of Election Day
Election day saw robust arrangements with 7,166 polling stations nationwide, but midday revealed a mere 17% voting participation, reflecting voter apathy. Despite this, the elections concluded successfully in 15 governorates. Notably, special voting provisions for security forces, displaced persons, and inmates boasted a remarkable 67% participation rate, shedding light on the diverse patterns of civic engagement.
Preliminary results from Kirkuk showcased a resounding success for Kurdish lists, securing eight seats in the provincial council. The dominance of the Kurdistan Patriotic Union (PUK) with 5-6 seats, alongside the Kurdistan Democratic Party (KDP) and New Generation’s one seat each, underscored the influential role of Kurdish political entities in shaping Kirkuk’s political trajectory.
Kurdish Islamic Parties on the Sidelines
Contrary to mainstream success, the Kurdish Islamic parties Komal and Yakgrtu on the Kirkuk Torch coalition list failed to secure any seats, prompting questions about political ideologies within the Kurdish community. Understanding the dynamics behind their limited success provides insights into the evolving political landscape in Kirkuk and the factors shaping voter preferences.
Implications for Kurdish Political Power
The triumph of Kurdish lists in Kirkuk holds broader implications for Kurdish political power in Iraq. As the PUK showcases electoral strength, this victory signifies potential changes in the balance of influence within the Kurdish political spectrum. These shifts carry implications for regional dynamics and inter-party relations, shaping the broader political landscape.
While Kirkuk takes center stage, the success of Kurdish lists in other governorates significantly contributes to shaping the overall Kurdish political landscape in Iraq. Analyzing the distribution of seats across provinces offers a comprehensive understanding of the community’s influence, providing insights into potential alliances, collaborations, and power dynamics within the broader Iraqi context.
A Test for Democracy
Viewed as a test for Prime Minister Mohammed Shia al-Sudani’s government, the elections were expected to strengthen Shiite pro-Iran groups, particularly the ruling Coordination Framework coalition. The boycott by Shiite cleric Moqtada Sadr, citing corruption concerns, and the formation of a joint alliance by Sunni leaders underscore the intricate dynamics within Iraq’s political landscape, adding layers to the democratic process.
Regional Variations and Implications
In Kirkuk province, the victory of Kurdish lists, particularly the Kurdistan Patriotic Union (PUK), holds significant implications for the political representation of different groups. The lower turnout compared to the 2021 parliamentary polls emphasizes the need for a detailed analysis to comprehend voter participation dynamics and the influencing factors. The provincial council elections serve as a critical reflection of Iraq’s ongoing political developments, setting the stage for the forthcoming 2025 parliamentary elections.