Key Messages of Iraq’s Successful Recent Elections

Member of Iraq’s Supreme Islamic Council Outlines

He noted in an interview with Taghrib News Agency (TNA) that the elections showed Iraq is moving toward greater stability and sent a clear signal to the world that Iraq is a country capable of supporting its democratic experience and therefore deserves respect.

Sixth Parliamentary Elections Since 2003

The sixth parliamentary elections since the fall of Saddam Hussein’s Ba’ath regime were held with more than 56 percent voter turnout, despite calls for boycott by some groups, foreign interference, and threats aimed at reducing participation.

The elections took place in two stages:
1-November 9, 2025: Special voting for armed forces and displaced persons.
2-November 11, 2025: General nationwide voting.
Both stages were conducted in a secure environment.
Messages of the Elections
Al-Miyahi outlined several key messages:

1. Commitment to democracy: Iraqis remain committed to government, ballot boxes, and the rule of law, even under difficult conditions.
   Peaceful conflict management: Iraqis are capable of managing internal differences through peaceful means.
   Strength in diversity: Ethnic and religious diversity, when managed with a national spirit, becomes a source of strength rather than weakness.
   Restoring trust: State institutions are gradually regaining citizens’ trust. Greater participation and voter awareness push Iraq toward stability and demonstrate to the world that Iraq can sustain its democratic path.

Challenges Ahead
He acknowledged that Iraq still faces major challenges, including political pressure, economic crises, and attempts to sow doubt. Yet, he stressed that the Iraqi people have proven stronger than efforts to destabilize their country and remain determined to maintain a stable government that protects the rights of all groups and communities.
Role of Shia Participation and Religious Authority
Al-Miyahi noted that Shia participation was more realistic and less emotional compared to the low turnout in 2021. Voters focused on efficiency, integrity, and candidates capable of delivering real services rather than slogans.
He described the elections as a broad referendum on public awareness, showing that Iraqis are conscious citizens rather than driven by emotion. This awareness restored balance to the political scene and reaffirmed the role of the Shiite majority in stabilizing the country.
He praised the role of the religious authority (marja’iyya) in guiding and encouraging people to participate responsibly. “The guidance of the marja’iyya was clear: it did not endorse any specific group but insisted that candidates be chosen based on merit, competence, and ability to serve the people. Those who failed in their duties should be held accountable. The marja’iyya sought not to direct results but to purify the criteria of choice, ensuring voting was based on a responsible conscience,” he said.
Conclusion
Al-Miyahi concluded that the elections revealed unprecedented public awareness. Citizens began asking who truly served them and who was capable of doing so. Participation thus became a step toward distinguishing between worthy and unworthy candidates, marking a new phase of stability and fairness for all Iraqis.