The low turnout “should be a lesson for all of us in the government and the political parties in Iraq and the Kurdistan Region,” Nechirvan Barzani said in a statement. It should “encourage us for serious reassessments and reestablishment of trust.”
Just over nine million Iraqis cast a ballot in Iraq’s election on Sunday, 41 percent of registered voters. Many voters stayed home and others reportedly spoiled their ballots.
The low turnout delivers a message that Iraqis expect better livelihood and public services, according to Barzani. “It is time now to work together and form a patriotic federal government which mirrors the will and expectations of the citizens,” the president said.
The election was held in response to protests complaining of corruption and ineptitude among the ruling class and political system. Some parties and voters called for a boycott, fearing that the vote will not bring about real change.
The Iraqi government enlisted a record-large team of international monitors to ensure a free and fair vote. The EU and United Nations both had large teams observing the electoral process across the country.
The European Union said the election was well-managed but raised concerns about the low turnout.
It is a “sign that confidence in Iraqi politics is decreasing, specifically amongst the young population” head of the European Parliament’s delegation, Domènec Ruiz Devesa said, urging the new parliament to “actively engage with civil society and to address the concerns of the citizens.”
Over a hundred Iraqi and Kurdish political parties and blocs ran in the election. Turnout has steadily decreased with every vote since 2003. In 2018, it was 44%.
.jpeg&w=3840&q=75)
