Iraqis hold little hope for change as they head to the polls

"The sixth election since the US-led invasion toppled longtime ruler Saddam Hussein in 2003, voting takes place in a relatively stable country. However, many Iraqis have lost hope that elections canbring meaningful change to their daily lives, feeling that the vote benefits only political elites and regional powers. Nearly 21 million Iraqis are eligible to vote across 4,501 polling stations nationwide, reported the Iraqi News Agency (INA). More than 7,750 candidates, nearly a third of them women, are running for 329 seats in parliament."

"Under the law, 25 percent of seats are reserved for women, while nine are allocated for religious minorities. Under the electoral law that many believe favours larger parties, just 75 independent candidates are standing. Observers fear that turnout might dip below the record low of 41 percent in 2021, reflecting voters' apathy and scepticism in a country marked by entrenched leadership, allegations of mismanagement and endemic corruption."

Polling opened across Iraq at 07:00 local time with nearly 21 million eligible voters and 4,501 polling stations nationwide. More than 7,750 candidates, about one-third women, compete for 329 parliamentary seats; the law reserves 25 percent of seats for women and nine for religious minorities. The electoral system is seen as favouring larger parties, leaving only 75 independents. Observers fear turnout may fall below the 41 percent record low in 2021 amid public scepticism, entrenched leadership, allegations of mismanagement and endemic corruption. Polls close at 18:00 with preliminary results expected within 24 hours.

Read at www.aljazeera.com