Early voting in Iraq has high turnout, but also reports of irregularities and alleged foreign interference

Iraq's early voting before Tuesday's elections saw high turnout, despite reports of irregularities and alleged foreign interference.

The Independent High Electoral Commission (IHEC) reported special voting—covering security forces, hospitalised individuals, and prisoners—exceeded 82% turnout from 1.31 million eligible voters. Officials called this a positive sign for the national vote.

IHEC Chairman Omar Ahmed said in a press conference that the special voting "took place in a safe environment." He noted 4,501 polling stations for security and military voters, with 97 for displaced persons.

Ahmed said the commission ensured free and fair elections in collaboration with official institutions. He stressed impartiality and urged all political stakeholders to support a transparent and successful process.

IHEC spokesperson Jumana al-Ghalai told INA that the manual and electronic vote counts matched, and that the result tapes were given to party representatives. Legal advisor Hassan Salman stated that early voting concluded without any technical failures or violations.

Officials in the Kurdistan Region reported a 98% turnout in special voting. Nabard Omer, IHEC regional head, described the process as successful and free of significant issues, with previous challenges addressed and security forces acting professionally.

Provincial turnout: Erbil, 98% (109,508 voters); Sulaimaniyah, 98% (106,350); Duhok, 97% (55,411); displaced in Duhok, 77% (20,000); displaced in Erbil, 71% (391).

Many in Kurdistan hoped the elections would improve the economy and public services after a prolonged period of hardship.

"I hope these elections improve living conditions and salaries," said Ari Omar Karim, a Sulaimaniyah voter, told The New Arab. "I want political sides to unite for a better government."

Public sector employees in Kurdistan have endured years of delayed and reduced salaries. Although a recent Baghdad-Erbil agreement resumed Kurdish oil exports to Turkey via Iraq's State Oil Marketing Organisation (SOMO), September salaries remain unpaid. Baghdad claims the KRG has not transferred local revenues, while the KRG rejects the allegations, accusing the federal government of using the salary issue for political and electoral purposes.

"I hope elections change Kurdistan's conditions," said Shamal Abul Salam, an employee at Darbandikhan Traffic Directorate. "Public employees have long endured salary delays. Lawmakers must push both governments in Baghdad and Erbil to normalise salaries and improve public services."

Alleged irregularities 

During early voting, several voters were observed by TNA using mobile phones to take photos and record videos inside polling stations, in violation of IHEC regulations. Some photographed their marked ballots, potentially compromising the secrecy of their votes. This practice heightened concerns about voter privacy, as ballot recording may suggest that security forces are under pressure to vote for the ruling parties. In response to these concerns, thousands of security forces personnel in the Kurdistan region reportedly nullified their votes, potentially affecting election results and raising questions about the fairness and integrity of the process. 

An electoral official acknowledged these violations to TNA and noted the commission cannot enforce the phone ban without risking theft or loss of personal devices. TNA contacted al-Ghalai for comment, but she was not available. 

IHEC reiterated that photographing ballots and using recording devices in polling stations are legal offences, in place to protect vote secrecy and prevent fraud. These measures help preserve electoral integrity, safeguard voters' choices, and deter vote buying, with offenders facing penalties under Iraqi law.

Political reactions

For his part, Prime Minister Mohammed Shia' Al-Sudani thanked voters on social media: "We extend our congratulations to you for exercising your constitutional right through your conscious, active participation in the elections and for choosing your representatives in the upcoming Council of Representatives."

The State of Law Coalition, led by former Prime Minister Nouri al-Maliki, praised the smooth and organised early voting, saying the high turnout showed increased national awareness and responsibility for Iraq's future.

As concerns over irregularities persist, Iran's Foreign Ministry spokesperson Ismail Baghaei on Monday accused the United States of interfering in Iraq's parliamentary elections and called such actions "undoubtedly harmful."

"Whenever the United States intervenes abroad, peace and stability suffer," Baghaei said. He added Iraq's elections have "special importance" for its people, and any outside meddling is "unacceptable and condemned."