Iraq opened early voting Sunday, letting security personnel and displaced citizens participate before Tuesday’s parliamentary election. About 1.3 million army and security members and 26,000 displaced people can vote. The election will decide if Prime Minister Mohammed Shia al-Sudani wins a second term while Iraq navigates regional pressure from Israel, Iran, and U.S. influence.
Displaced Communities Seek Political Voice
Yazidis living in camps near Dohuk cast votes after fleeing IS attacks over a decade ago. Many cannot return to Sinjar due to destroyed homes, wrecked infrastructure, and armed group control. IS killed and enslaved thousands during its terror campaign, leaving the community struggling to rebuild.
Edris Zozani voted for the Kurdish Democratic Party (KDP). “Independent Yazidi candidates cannot represent us well,” he said. “Strong parties like the KDP can protect our interests in parliament.” The vote reflects a community still seeking stability and political influence.
Armed Groups Participate in Polling
In Baghdad, soldiers, police, and Popular Mobilisation Forces (PMF) members lined up to vote. The PMF, a coalition of mainly Shiite, Iran-backed militias, nominally reports to Iraq’s military but operates independently in practice. Parliament debates laws to define PMF authority, drawing U.S. concern.
A PMF fighter, speaking anonymously, said, “I voted for the list that defends the PMF.” Several PMF factions also run political parties, and their performance could reshape Iraq’s internal power and influence U.S.-Iraq relations.
