Story perspectives

Iraq Elections: Apathy Reigns Amid Complex Political Landscape

11/12/2025

Summary

Story summary

Iraq's parliamentary elections proceeded amid widespread voter apathy and skepticism.
Iraq's Prime Minister Mohammed Shia al-Sudani seeks a second term in a fragmented landscape with 7,700 candidates for 329 seats.
Preliminary turnout was 56.11% despite calls for a boycott by Moqtada al-Sadr.
Negotiations for a new government are expected to be lengthy and complex as al-Sudani balances relations with the United States and Iran, while Iran-backed militias remain contentious.

History

Historical Context

The 2010 Iraqi parliamentary elections, held on March 7, saw a turnout of 62.4% as Iraqis voted for 325 representatives. Prime Minister Nouri al-Maliki's State of Law Coalition faced challenges from Ayad Allawi's Iraqi National Movement, which won 91 seats. The elections highlighted ongoing political fragmentation and foreign influence, particularly from the United States and Iran, shaping Iraq's governance and stability.

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Story summary

Iraq's parliamentary elections proceeded amid widespread voter apathy and skepticism.
Iraq's Prime Minister Mohammed Shia al-Sudani seeks a second term in a fragmented landscape with 7,700 candidates for 329 seats.
Preliminary turnout was 56.11% despite calls for a boycott by Moqtada al-Sadr.
Negotiations for a new government are expected to be lengthy and complex as al-Sudani balances relations with the United States and Iran, while Iran-backed militias remain contentious.

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