Early election initiatives kick off in Iraq, emphasizing guarantees for employment and enhanced healthcare services

Iraq Prepares for National Elections Amidst Scepticism and Controversy

Iraq is gearing up for national elections scheduled on November 11, marking the sixth election since the 2003 US-led invasion that toppled Saddam Hussein's regime. However, the campaign season has taken on a controversial edge due to allegations of leveraging state resources for re-election.

The country's election law stipulates that the Independent High Electoral Commission (IHEC) decides when the campaigns begin, usually a month before polling day. Yet, some candidates have already started their campaigns, with billboards and lofty promises of a better future.

Iraqis, however, view these election campaigns with scepticism and mockery. Nassir Mohammed Jaafar, a maths teacher, expressed frustration with the cycle of promises and disappointment from the same political faces. Rajab Hameed Ali, a street vendor in Baghdad's Karrada district, shared similar sentiments, expressing cynicism towards political campaigns.

Critics have dismissed a video of Shiite female politician Aliya Nusayif distributing aid as a calculated electoral stunt. Nusayif, who is running for the Takadum Coalition, was seen distributing electric wheelchairs and food parcels to Iraqis with disabilities. While her intentions may be noble, the timing has raised eyebrows.

The IHEC has warned against premature campaigning and other violations, but enforcement is weak. In an effort to ensure fair and transparent elections, Iraqi President Abdul Latif Rashid suggested a series of proposals. These proposals included halting government appointments, regulating land plot distribution, and preventing exploitation of state resources. The four government branches approved these proposals, urging the electoral commission to adopt them and set penalties for violators.

Mohammed Al Halbousi, a prominent Sunni political leader, is leading the Takadum Coalition. Haibat Al Halbousi is the most prominent candidate for Takadum Coalition in Al Anbar. Al Halbousi, in an attempt to win over voters, promised a job with Schlumberger, an oilfield services company, to a newly graduated petroleum engineer.

The elections are expected to be highly competitive among major religious and ethnic groups. However, many Iraqis remain doubtful that the elections will bring change. Despite the scepticism, the hope for a better future remains, as the citizens of Iraq prepare to exercise their right to vote.