BAGHDAD, Iraq — Iraqi parliamentary elections, scheduled for October, are at risk of being delayed as political factions continue to debate the issue. Some leaders, such as Nouri al-Maliki, leader of the State of Law Coalition, have expressed concerns that postponing the elections could deepen divisions and escalate conflict within the country.
Al-Maliki warned on Monday that delaying the vote would worsen Iraq’s political instability. He emphasized that most of the political parties are aware of the serious dangers associated with a delay.
Rumors suggest that the elections, initially set for October, may be postponed until April 2026, intensifying the debate on whether the vote should proceed as planned.
The Iraqi House of Representatives is divided on the matter. One faction, led by al-Maliki’s coalition, insists the elections must proceed without delay, while another faction proposes forming a transitional government and postponing the vote.
Iraqi lawmaker Hussein Arab told Zoom News that elections are a fundamental democratic right, but acknowledged that if circumstances are unfavorable, delaying the elections could become necessary. He added that the government would ultimately make the decision and could form a caretaker administration if needed.
Muqtada al-Sadr, leader of the Shiite National Movement, announced on March 27 that his faction would not participate in the elections as long as corruption persists. However, there is speculation that al-Sadr’s group may reconsider its stance and make a final decision in June.
The Iraqi Independent High Electoral Commission (IHEC) has confirmed several times that all procedures for the elections are in place, reaffirming its commitment to holding the vote as scheduled despite the ongoing political uncertainty.