Iraq denounces ‘provocative’ Iranian remarks on elections
The comments came ahead of Tuesday’s vote, in which millions of Iraqis are set to elect members of a new parliament. Iran’s Foreign Ministry spokesman, Esmaeil Beghaei, called U.S. involvement in Iraq “harmful” and emphasized that Iraq rejects foreign interference in its elections.
In response, the Iraqi Foreign Ministry issued a statement asserting that these remarks “are provocative and represent a clear and unacceptable interference in Iraqi internal affairs.”
“The electoral process is a purely national matter that is subject to the will of the Iraqi people and its constitutional institutions exclusively," the ministry said, adding that Iraq maintains “balanced relations with its neighbors, based on the principle of mutual respect for sovereignty and non-interference in the internal affairs of states."
“Preserving good neighborly relations requires strict adherence to these principles and avoiding any statements or positions that could infringe upon Iraq's sovereignty or interfere in its internal affairs,” the statement stressed.
According to the electoral commission, 7,743 candidates, including 2,247 women, are competing for parliamentary seats. Iraq’s last legislative elections took place on Oct. 10, 2021, following mass protests that led to the resignation of former Prime Minister Adil Abdul-Mahdi.
Mustafa Al-Kadhimi succeeded him and oversaw that election.
The current parliament, largely controlled by Shia parties and blocs, began its term on Jan. 9, 2022, and will conclude on Jan. 8, 2026. Iraqi law mandates that legislative elections occur at least 45 days before the end of a parliament’s term.
Traditionally, Iraq distributes its top government positions along sectarian lines: the presidency is held by Kurds, the prime ministry by Shias, and the parliamentary speakership by Sunnis, ensuring representation for all major communities.
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