Storyline: Iraq held the sixth parliamentary election since the 2003 U.S.-led invasion on Tuesday, with over 20 million eligible voters casting ballots at 8,703 polling centers to choose among 7,744 candidates competing for 329 parliamentary seats. The voting process began at 07:00 and ended at 18:00 local time under the supervision of the Iraqi Independent High Electoral Commission. More than 2,200 women were among the candidates contesting in what Iraqi leaders described as a pivotal moment for the country's future. Voters expressed clear priorities focusing on change and development. "We have experienced several parliamentary elections in the past, but never have we felt so much hope. We hope this election will bring more positive changes to the country," said Muhanad, a resident in Baghdad. The voting came amid a mandatory election silence period imposed for security reasons. More than 180,000 security personnel have been deployed in different parts of Iraq to maintain order during the elections and provide security for voters, according to the Iraqi Ministry of the Interior. "This is a critical phase in Iraq's history. This parliamentary election is of great significance and will outline the blueprint for our people's livelihood," said Miqdad Miri, spokesman for the Iraqi Interior Ministry. Scholars hope the new parliamentary will effectively integrate Iraq's political forces, thereby endowing the government with greater executive capacity and stability and maintaining an independent and self-determined diplomatic stance in regional affairs. "I see that this election has been relatively less affected by external interference, largely freeing itself from outside pressure. Because all the global and regional powers want stability for Iraq," said Ahmed Al-Mayali, assistant dean of college of political science for scientific affairs at the University of Baghdad. Shotlist: Baghdad, Iraq - Nov 11, 2025: 1. Various of people voting in polling station 2. SOUNDBITE (Arabic) Muhanad, local resident (full name not given): "We have experienced several parliamentary elections in the past, but never have we felt so much hope. We hope this election will bring more positive changes to the country." 3. Various of people having security check outside polling station 4. SOUNDBITE (Arabic) Miqdad Miri, spokesman for Iraqi Interior Ministry (starting with shot 3): "This is a critical phase in Iraq's history. The parliamentary election 2025 is of great significance and will outline the blueprint for our people's livelihood." 5. Various of security personnel outside polling station 6. SOUNDBITE (Arabic) Ahmed Al-Mayali, assistant dean, college of political science for scientific affairs, University of Baghdad (partially overlaid with shot 7): "I see that this election has been relatively less affected by external interference, largely freeing itself from outside pressure. Because all the global and regional powers want stability for Iraq." [SHOT OVERLAYING SOUNDBITE] 7. People outside polling station [SHOT OVERLAYING SOUNDBITE] 8. Poster showing polling station information [Restrictions: No access Chinese mainland]