Iraq: parliamentary elections under high security
In a polling station in Baghdad on October 10, 2021. AFP - SABAH ARAR
Text by: RFI Follow
2 min
The early legislative elections take place this Sunday in Iraq, two years after massive protests by young people in the streets who demanded change, the end of corruption, jobs, decent public services.
Widely repressed movement.
This October 10, 25 million Iraqis are called to the polls to renew their 329 deputies.
A ballot that takes place under high security.
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With our special envoys in Baghdad,
Murielle Paradon
and
Boris Vichith
We are in a school which hosts several polling stations, in the Al Sadoun district, in the center of Baghdad.
And to access this school, it was necessary to pass security cords, to be searched.
Dozens of heavily armed federal police officers guard the entrances to the offices, there are even armed men on the rooftops.
Security is maximum because of fear of attacks in this very unstable country, plagued by attacks by the Islamic State organization and violence by armed militias.
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To read also:
Legislative in Iraq: when ex-protesters become candidates
The stake of participation
So far, we have seen very few people voting here anyway, since the polls opened at 7am (6am UT).
So, it is still a little early, but it must be said that many young people who participated in protest movements two years ago clearly said that they would boycott the ballot because they do not expect any change.
And young people constitute 60% of the population in Iraq.
We have nevertheless met in recent days in the streets of Baghdad Iraqis who wanted to vote, but for independent candidates, the new electoral law theoretically allows it.
►
To read also:
Early legislative elections in Iraq: in Baghdad, the youth expect nothing from the poll
Concretely in the polling station, you stamp the name of a candidate, instead of choosing a list affiliated with a party.
Then you slip your ballot into an electronic ballot box, supposed to be well sealed.
Many fear fraud as has been the case in the past.
The Iraqis, overwhelmed by the security problems, the economic problems, the lack of public services, will they vote in the hope of a change?
We should have first estimates this Sunday evening or tomorrow.
►
To read also:
Legislative elections in Iraq: words of voters at the time of the vote
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