Overview
- Iraq’s nationwide polling follows advance voting by about 1.3 million security personnel and tens of thousands of displaced people, with the election commission reporting over 82% participation in those early ballots under UN and international observation.
- More than 7,700 candidates are competing for 329 seats under rules reserving 25% for women and nine seats for minorities, yet low updated registrations and past record-low turnout cloud participation.
- Prime Minister Mohammed Shia al‑Sudani’s list is seen as a frontrunner, but a second term is not assured as post‑vote bargaining typically drags on for months and Muqtada al‑Sadr’s movement is boycotting.
- Iran‑aligned militia political wings are in the race and security strains persist after a candidate was killed by a car bomb, with broader tensions shaped by armed groups and the continued presence of about 2,500 US troops.
- Egypt opened the first phase of its staggered lower‑house vote for 568 elected seats while 28 will be appointed by President Abdel Fattah al‑Sisi, with analysts expecting regime‑aligned lists to dominate after disqualifications and final results due December 25.