“Every faction and coalition reserves the right to revoke the [membership] of any candidate who does not meet the laws and conditions. This female candidate has worked contrary to the laws of the Nasr Coalition,” Hussein al-A’dily, spokesperson for the list told Rudaw.
The candidate, Intidhar Ahmed Jassim, is a professor of economy and administration at al-Muntansaryah University in Baghdad and has a PhD in the same field. She is married and has three children.
She said the video shared online allegedly showing her having sex with another man is a fake.
“Some fake pages, supported by some parties, talked about a fabricated and photo-shopped video to ruin my reputation. I don’t ever fall. Iraq progresses forward,” she posted on Facebook.
She reminded her followers that she has served Iraq as a professor for a long time and has held other positions as well.
“I am sad for a great nation that believes the rotten fabrications of politicians. Everyone knows my family and knows my husband Dr. Sa’ad Salih al-Hamdani. I am the daughter of your country. I implore you do not listen to rumors,” she added.
Jassim said she would publish the video for her followers to compare it to her lectures and activities and understand the truth that it is faked.
A few hours later, she resigned.
"I present my resignation to his excellency the Prime Minister of Iraq and the head of the Nasr Coalition list Dr. Haider al-Abadi to also show my stance towards a public position, considering it a service to the homeland and the institution, not looking for position or money as my biggest post is being a pure Iraqi woman," she announced.
Twenty-five percent of the parliament’s 329 seats are reserved for women. Less than a week into campaigning, however, there have been several reports of female candidates being harassed, particularly on social media.
A KDP candidate defended herself when she came under criticism for an outfit she wore in a private video that was leaked online. She said the short dress she was wearing is nothing to be ashamed of.
Women have sounded the alarm over misuse of social media platforms during the election season.
