Iraq’s Independent High Electoral Commission confirmed Wednesday it will not extend the deadline for parliamentary candidate registration, which expires today. The decision comes despite discussions among commissioners and requests for an extension, with elections scheduled for November 11.
Final Decision Rejects Extension Appeals
The Iraqi Independent High Electoral Commission (IHEC) announced its final decision to maintain the original deadline for candidate registration for the upcoming parliamentary elections, which closes at the end of official working hours today, June 26, 2025. The Board of Commissioners reached this conclusion after extensive deliberations regarding multiple requests for deadline extensions from various political entities.
According to an official statement obtained by media outlets, the Board of Commissioners declared: “The Board of Commissioners has decided not to approve an extension of the deadline for submitting candidate lists, in accordance with the provisions of the operational timetable for the 2025 Iraqi parliamentary elections, as approved in Decision No. (1) of Extraordinary Session (13) on April 24, 2025.”
The commission had previously announced that candidate list submissions, including both open-list and individual candidacies, would be accepted between May 25, 2025, and the conclusion of official working hours on June 24, 2025. In a brief reversal, the Board initially decided to extend this deadline until Thursday, June 26, but has now confirmed that no further extensions will be granted beyond today’s deadline.
This decisive stance reflects IHEC’s commitment to maintaining the electoral timeline established for the November parliamentary elections. The commission emphasized that adherence to predetermined schedules is crucial for ensuring the integrity and smooth execution of the electoral process.
Voter Registration and Electoral Preparations
Parallel to candidate registration activities, IHEC has been actively managing voter registration renewal processes since March 25, 2025. The commission reports significant progress in this area, with nearly two million voters successfully completing their registration renewal procedures. This substantial number indicates strong public engagement with the electoral process ahead of the November elections.
The voter registration component represents a critical element of electoral preparation, as updated and accurate voter rolls are essential for conducting transparent and credible elections. IHEC has emphasized that no further changes to the voter registry will be permitted, describing this measure as fundamental to ensuring transparency throughout the electoral process.
The parliamentary elections are officially scheduled for November 11, 2025, following a decision by the Federal Council of Ministers on April 9, 2025. This decision was made during a session chaired by Prime Minister Mohammed Shia’ al-Sudani, establishing the definitive electoral date for the Iraqi political calendar.
The commission’s firm stance on deadlines demonstrates its determination to maintain electoral integrity and prevent any procedural irregularities that could compromise the legitimacy of the upcoming parliamentary elections. With candidate registration now closed and voter registration substantially complete, IHEC can focus on the technical and logistical preparations necessary for conducting nationwide elections in November.
