Iraqis across the country, excluding the three provinces that make up the Kurdistan Region, headed to polling stations to cast their vote in the country’s first provincial elections in a decade. In Kirkuk however, the last election of its kind was in 2005.
“A notable success was holding elections in Kirkuk, overcoming delays that persisted since 2005,” Sudani said in a statement following the end of the vote.
The prime minister congratulated Iraq’s citizens and praised all those involved in the process to carry out the elections such as the Independent High Electoral Commission (IHEC). He added that the elections mark the government's “commitment to its stated goals in the government program.”
Holding the provincial council elections this year was a pledge made by Sudani’s government. “It represents a crucial stride toward administrative decentralization, the strengthening of civil peace and stability, and the realization of a long-awaited aspiration,” he said.
The elections are seen as a crucial test for the Sudani cabinet and as an indication of the possible outcome of Iraq’s next parliamentary elections, expected to take place by 2025.
The provincial councils were created by the 2005 Iraqi constitution following the fall of dictator Saddam Hussein’s regime. They hold significant power, including setting budgets for several key sectors such as education, health, and transport, but are accused of being rife with corruption.
Spokesperson for Iraq’s Independent High Electoral Commission (IHEC) Jumana al-Ghalai on Saturday evening said that the turnout for early voting was “unprecedented in any electoral process,” with around 67 percent of eligible voters participating. As of Monday noon, IHEC said the voter turnout was 17 percent.
The councils were dissolved in 2019 in response to demands by Tishreen protesters who criticized the system for its failures and for enabling corruption. After several delays, the election date was set for December 18.
