SHOTLIST:

ERBIL, IRAQ (NOV. 09, 2025) (ANADOLU – ACCESS ALL)

1. VOTERS GATHERED WAITING IN LINE TO CAST THEIR VOTES (TWO SHOTS)

2. VARIOUS OF VOTING PROCESS, VOTERS CASTING THEIR VOTES WHILE OFFICIALS FOLLOWING VOTING PROCESS ERBIL, IRAQ - NOV. 09, 2025: Security forces and internally displaced persons began the early voting process on Sunday, Nov. 09, ahead of parliamentary elections scheduled for November 11 in Erbil, Iraq.

While voters cast their ballots at polling stations set up in Erbil, early voting aims to reduce potential congestion on Election Day and ensure that security units can carry out their duties without disruption.

The special vote covers security personnel, army members, medical staff, and prisoners who cannot participate in the general election.

A total of 7,768 candidates, including 5,520 men and 2,248 women, are competing for 329 seats in the Council of Representatives, which elects the president and grants confidence to the government. Roughly 21 million Iraqis are eligible to vote, according to the commission.

The current parliament, elected on Jan. 9, 2022, serves a four-year term that ends on Jan. 8, 2026. Under Iraqi law, legislative elections must be held at least 45 days before the end of the parliamentary term.

Shia parties and blocs hold a majority in the current legislature. Power in Iraq is traditionally divided among the country’s main communities: the presidency goes to the Kurds, the premiership to the Shias, and the speakership of parliament to the Sunnis.