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Iraq's 2024 Election: Voters Seek Reform, Many Fear Continuity

  //politics-government.news-articles.net/content/ .. ion-voters-seek-reform-many-fear-continuity.html
  Published in Politics and Government on Monday, November 10th 2025 at 19:30 GMT by ThePrint

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Iraq’s 2024 Election: Voters Hope for Reform, But Most Expect Little Change

In the weeks leading up to the October 2024 Iraqi parliamentary election, a palpable mix of hope and skepticism has gripped the nation. The Print’s coverage of the poll—drawing on interviews with ordinary citizens, political analysts, and party officials—reveals that while many voters are eager to see progress, a significant portion of the electorate feels that the new government will be “no different” from those that have ruled for decades.

1. A Brief Historical Backdrop

Iraq’s modern political landscape has been shaped by a series of crises: the fall of Saddam Hussein in 2003, the sectarian war that followed, the rise and fall of the Islamic State (ISIS), and a succession of short‑lived administrations. The 2020 parliamentary elections left the country in a stalemate, forcing the country’s leaders to form an interim government that lasted almost a year and a half. Since then, the National Election Commission (NEC) has been working to overhaul the electoral system, adopting a new law that seeks to increase proportional representation and curb the influence of foreign funding.

The Print’s article links directly to the NEC’s official website, where the updated electoral law is outlined. Key changes include:

• Greater weight for small and minority parties – ensuring a more inclusive parliament that reflects Iraq’s multi‑ethnic society.
• Transparent campaign financing – limiting external donor influence, though many analysts argue this remains a weak enforcement area.
• Expanded diaspora voting – allowing the sizable Iraqi diaspora to participate via embassies in more than 25 countries.

2. Major Political Forces and Their Platforms

Sadrist Movement (Muqtada al‑Sadr)

The most vocal group, the Sadrist Movement, is led by cleric Muqtada al‑Sadr, a figure who has been at the center of Iraqi politics since the 2003 invasion. The movement emphasizes anti‑corruption and “national sovereignty.” The article notes that al‑Sadr’s rhetoric has always been a blend of populist religious appeals and pragmatic opposition to foreign influence.

State of Law Coalition (Adnan al‑Hashimi)

Led by former Prime Minister Adnan al‑Hashimi, this coalition is considered “centrist” and has an emphasis on stabilizing the economy and strengthening security forces. Al‑Hashimi’s promise to fight corruption, however, has often been questioned in light of his party’s close ties to former U.S. administrations.

Al‑Wataniya (Rashid al‑Alaa)

An emerging political force led by the former oil minister Rashid al‑Alaa, the party positions itself as a “pragmatic” alternative, focusing on economic reforms and infrastructure development. Despite its fresh brand, the party struggles with low visibility in rural areas.

Kurdish Parties

The Kurdish parties, notably the Kurdistan Democratic Party (KDP) and the Patriotic Union of Kurdistan (PUK), continue to hold a distinct bloc in parliament. The article links to the KDP’s press releases, which highlight the party’s emphasis on Kurdish autonomy and its continued push for a separate Kurdistan State.

Sunni Minorities and Yezidis

Sunni parties like the Muslim Brotherhood and the Yezidi-led National Accord Coalition are grappling with the perception that their influence is largely symbolic. These parties’ platforms emphasize equal representation and the protection of minority rights, but their electoral performance remains modest.

3. Voter Sentiment: Hope vs. Cynicism

In the article, a series of short interviews with voters in Erbil, Baghdad, Basra, and Mosul paint a picture of divided sentiment:

• Erbil – “I’m hopeful that this time we will have a chance to build a better future,” says 27‑year‑old Amina Khalil. She stresses that the diaspora vote might bring a fresh wave of ideas, citing the expanded voting rights for overseas Iraqis.
• Baghdad – 35‑year‑old civil engineer Jamal Saeed states, “We have heard the same promises for years. I’m just hoping that the new parliament will actually take action on the corruption issues that have been haunting us.”
• Basra – A local farmer, Sulaiman Hassan, remarks that the biggest challenge will be ensuring that the new government delivers on infrastructure, as the region has long suffered from water shortages.
• Mosul – Post‑ISIS recovery remains a critical issue. “The people want to rebuild,” says 42‑year‑old teacher Shakila Mahmoud. “But I fear we’ll just get the same old promises.”

The Print’s analysis suggests that low voter turnout—a historical pattern in Iraqi elections—may further limit the possibility for meaningful reform. According to the NEC, the turnout in the 2020 elections was just over 30% of registered voters, a figure that is expected to remain similarly low.

4. External Influences and the Role of the U.S.

The article takes care to address the question of foreign interference. Iraq’s strategic position has drawn the attention of several foreign powers. The U.S. has been actively involved in both military operations (against ISIS) and political mediation. While the NEC has introduced anti‑foreign funding clauses, critics argue that U.S. influence is still felt in the political elite, especially in the State of Law coalition.

Additionally, the Print links to a recent op‑ed from the Carnegie Middle East Center, which argues that U.S. involvement has both stabilized and complicated Iraq’s political process. The op‑ed emphasizes that the U.S. seeks a stable coalition to prevent a resurgence of extremist groups, but this objective often clashes with Iraqi citizens’ desire for authentic self‑determination.

5. Looking Ahead: Will the New Parliament Deliver?

The Print’s editorial concludes that the upcoming election is more than a routine democratic exercise—it is a critical juncture in Iraq’s post‑war reconstruction. If the political landscape changes dramatically—such as a surge in support for a new anti‑corruption platform or the emergence of a strong third‑party coalition—then significant reforms could take root. Conversely, if the status quo persists, the electorate will be left disillusioned, potentially fueling the rise of new extremist narratives.

A few key takeaways:

1. Fragmented parties and sectarian politics make coalition-building difficult, reducing the likelihood of decisive policy shifts.
2. Low turnout could further marginalize reformist voices.
3. Foreign influence—though officially curtailed—continues to play a significant role in shaping party platforms and public opinion.
4. Diaspora voting could either inject new ideas or, conversely, reinforce existing power structures if the overseas community is heavily aligned with the traditional elites.

6. Final Thoughts

Iraq’s 2024 election represents both a chance for renewal and a test of political maturity. While the citizens’ desire for reform is unmistakable, the structural realities of Iraqi politics—deeply entrenched sectarian divisions, a weak civil society, and external pressures—may dampen that enthusiasm. The Print’s coverage, enriched by primary sources and expert analysis, underscores that the real challenge will be translating the electorate’s aspirations into a functional, inclusive, and reform‑oriented parliamentary system. The outcome of this election will not only decide the immediate future of Iraq but could also set the tone for the region’s political trajectory in the years to come.