Iraq Faces Elections at Delicate Moment in Middle East

Iraq is weeks away from parliamentary elections that will set the country’s course during one of the Middle East’s most delicate moments in years.

- Qassim Abdul Zahra

While the ceasefire in Gaza may have tamped down regional tensions, fears remain of another round of conflict between Israel and Iraq’s neighbour, Iran. Iraq managed to stay on the sidelines during the brief Israel-Iran war in June.

Meanwhile, Baghdad faces increasing pressure from Washington over the presence of I[ran-linked armed groups in Iraq.

Iraqi Prime Minister Mohammed Shia al-Sudani came to power in 2022 with the backing of a group of pro-Iran parties but has since sought to balance Iraq’s relations with Tehran and Washington.

The Nov 11 vote will determine whether he gets a second term — rare for Iraqi premiers in the past.

Who’s missing from the elections

A total of 7,768 candidates — 2,248 women and 5,520 men — are competing for 329 parliament seats.