As Iraq approaches its 2025 parliamentary elections, intense disputes over electoral amendments dominate the political landscape. Despite claims of fair elections by the Independent High Electoral Commission, significant allegations of fraud, vote-buying, and intimidation challenge the integrity of the democratic process. Proposed reforms aim to enhance electoral fairness amid ongoing concerns of financial influence and political manipulation.
As Iraq gears up for its 2025 parliamentary elections, the political landscape is fraught with conflict over proposed electoral amendments. Disputes among political factions, particularly in Parliament, jeopardize necessary reforms, with some advocating for stricter regulations to ensure electoral integrity while others oppose changes, heightening concerns regarding potential political manipulation of the democratic process.
Iraq’s electoral history has been riddled with allegations of fraud and manipulation. Despite claims from the Independent High Electoral Commission (IHEC) of conducting free elections, significant skepticism persists among opposition groups and international observers, who point to issues like vote-buying and undue political pressure that undermine electoral legitimacy and trust in the system.
The impact of financial influence on Iraqi elections cannot be understated, as numerous political parties invest heavily to sway voter opinions. Reports reveal extensive vote-buying practices, especially in impoverished regions, where candidates have allegedly provided monetary bribes ranging from $50 to $500 per vote. During the 2021 elections alone, an estimated $250 million was spent on such illicit tactics, raising concerns about the credibility of the electoral process.
The unpredictability of electoral results, despite rampant vote-buying, has led to accusations of vote tampering and manipulation. The contentious 2021 elections showcased this turmoil, where notable shifts in party representation led to widespread claims of fraud, igniting significant political strife. Prominent figures like al-Amiri and al-Khazali vocally expressed discontent with the election results, labeling them as fabricated.
Political factions have also exploited state mechanisms for electoral gain. Reports indicate that in 2021, parties leveraged state media for favorable coverage and distributed government benefits in exchange for votes. Temporary job contracts were issued to bolster political loyalty before the elections, raising serious ethical questions about the exploitation of state resources for political ends.
Additionally, land allocations have been strategically employed to garner political support. An estimated 15,000 land grants were issued ahead of the elections, predominantly benefiting individuals with strong political connections. Analysts warn that without substantial reforms, elections could continue to produce results that do not accurately represent the will of the people, as financial and political barriers create unequal competition.
In regions like Diyala and Nineveh, armed groups associated with political factions have fostered an atmosphere of intimidation, targeting opposition candidates and disrupting campaigns. Reports of violent acts against candidates and interference in polling processes highlight the challenges independent participants face, diminishing the integrity of the political landscape.
In response to these concerns, IHEC has initiated reforms aimed at improving electoral integrity. The introduction of biometric voter registration has dramatically increased the registration of eligible voters and has been shown to reduce opportunities for fraudulent voting. However, observers note that while these measures help, they do not fully eliminate external influences and coercion during elections.
Plans for enhanced vote counting mechanisms and increased international oversight are also underway. With reports of significant discrepancies and manipulations during past elections, efforts to engage more international observers could bolster transparency and restore public trust. Nevertheless, experts maintain that monitoring alone is insufficient to deter vote-buying and intimidation.
As discussions surrounding changes to the electoral system continue, proposals for reforms include altering the method of seat allocation to diminish the dominance of wealthy political candidates. While some advocate for localized electoral districts to encourage competition, others argue that the primary issue remains a lack of accountability for fraudulent practices rather than the electoral system itself.
Despite ongoing discussions about electoral law revisions, progress has been slow due to political disagreements, with no formal amendments made to date. Critics assert that a reboot of the current system may benefit the overall legislative process, emphasizing the need for legal experts to steer reforms towards the public interest and ensure fair elections.
Iraq’s upcoming 2025 elections are complicated by factions’ disputes, with the potential for deep-seated electoral fraud remaining a significant risk. The influence of money and intimidation has generated skepticism surrounding electoral legitimacy, despite IHEC’s reform efforts. Alongside increased international monitoring, proposed reforms to the electoral system seek to counterbalance financial influence and enhance fairness, though political disagreements hinder actual progress. A critical analysis of the existing political dynamics is essential to achieving comprehensive reforms that restore public trust in Iraq’s democratic processes.
Original Source: shafaq.com
