Members of Iraq’s security forces and displaced Yazidis participated in early voting on March 10, 2024, ahead of the parliamentary election set for March 12. This election is pivotal in determining whether Prime Minister Mohammed Shia al-Sudani will secure a second term. The atmosphere is charged, with concerns about potential conflicts involving Israel and Iran, while Iraq navigates its complex relationships with both nations.
Approximately 1.3 million military and security personnel, alongside around 26,000 displaced individuals, are eligible to cast their votes. A total of 7,744 candidates are vying for parliamentary seats, predominantly from sectarian-aligned parties.
In the semi-autonomous Kurdish region, many Yazidis, who fled their homes due to violence from the Islamic State group over a decade ago, voted in a camp near Dohuk. Political disputes and ongoing infrastructure challenges have hindered their return. The polling station, located in a small school, saw limited activity until after 09:00, when more voters arrived, some with worn identification cards and others assisting elderly relatives.
Inside the polling venue, numerous monitors from various parties observed the voting process. The Yazidi community has faced significant challenges since the defeat of the Islamic State, which devastated the Sinjar district in Nineveh province. While some Yazidis have gradually returned home, many remain disillusioned about their future due to a lack of resources for rebuilding and ongoing political conflicts.
“Eleven years passed and the situation is the same,” lamented Khedhir Qassim, a displaced Yazidi voter. He expressed skepticism about the potential for new leaders to effect meaningful change, emphasizing the urgent need for support in rebuilding their war-torn areas. Similarly, Edris Zozani, another Yazidi voter, indicated his support for the Kurdish Democratic Party (KDP), believing that independent Yazidi candidates would struggle to effectively represent their interests.
In the capital, Baghdad, early voting also took place for soldiers, police, and members of the Popular Mobilization Forces (PMF), a coalition of mainly Shiite militias formed to combat the Islamic State. Despite being formally integrated into Iraq’s military, these groups continue to operate with considerable autonomy. The future of the PMF will be a key issue for the incoming parliament, particularly amidst tensions with Washington concerning the presence of Iran-backed militias in Iraq.
“I voted for the list that defends the PMF,” stated one militiaman anonymously after voting in Baghdad, highlighting the ongoing political dynamics at play. Several armed groups affiliated with the PMF have their own political parties participating in this election cycle.
As Iraq navigates this critical electoral moment, the voices of the displaced Yazidi community and the security forces underscore the complex interplay of political allegiance and the pressing need for stability and support in rebuilding their lives.
