They have become key players in Iraqi political life.

First formed to fight the Islamic State Organization, armed groups have launched numerous political parties in recent years.

At the time when the Iraqis are called to the polls, Sunday, October 10, for early legislative elections, these armed groups thus weigh on all spheres of power. 

Among them, the "Huquq" party, launched by Hussein Moanes, a leading figure in the Hezbollah Brigades.

On the eve of the elections, he campaigned by distributing food baskets to their supporters.

"There are important promises and there are primordial promises. And for us, the priority is to evacuate the foreign military forces from Iraq", explains Hassan Al Temimi, the candidate of "Huquq", to France. 24.

The party must, however, face a major obstacle: in theory, Iraqi law prohibits any link between armed groups and political parties.

"Hussein Moanes was part of the political program of Kataeb Hezbollah, but he resigned seven or eight months ago," pleads Hassan al Temimi, before insisting: "the" Huquq "party is new."

>> To read also on France24.com: 

Legislative in Iraq: the temptation of boycott, the only weapon of a people without illusions

Strengthened influence since 2018

However, the argument struggles to convince many Iraqis, convinced that these parties continue to use their old networks. 

"When you have armed factions, you have members under your orders. These members will always follow your directives, even if it concerns their vote", reacts on France 24 Saif Ali, journalist in Baghdad.

"Independent candidates cannot oppose it, it would be a matter of life and death." 

>> To (re) see on France 24:

REPORTERS - In Iraq, the murdered revolution

Since the last election in 2018, these armed factions have strengthened their grip on the spheres of power.

In 2019, France 24 had rare access to the training camp of one of these brigades, the Kataeb Sayyid al Shuhada.

"We are not trying to have our own party, but we support political parties that meet our objectives," explains two years later one of the group's spokespersons, Kadhim al-Fartousi.

"We don't want a party in our name, but we want to support ideas from the political process and these political coalitions."

The Iraqi political scene remains deeply polarized on the same sensitive issues, the presence of American troops or the influence of the Iranian neighbor.

The summary of the week

France 24 invites you to come back to the news that marked the week

I subscribe

Take international news everywhere with you!

Download the France 24 application

google-play-badge_FR