Iraq’s election commission changes how it calculates voter turnout

Rudaw

ERBIL, Kurdistan Region - Iraq’s election commission announced on Sunday that turnout for the election will be calculated based on the number of people who have biometric voter cards, not the number of eligible voters. The move will likely inflate turnout figures that are predicted to hit a record low.

The Independent High Electoral Commission (IHEC) announced the decision in a statement on its website.  

Polls have predicted turnout will be about 30 percent and anecdotally many Iraqis say they do not see a reason to vote.

Iraqis will elect a new parliament on October 10. The election was called early to meet demands of anti-government protesters but is taking place in an environment where armed militias operate with impunity outside of government control, Islamic State (ISIS) militants carry out frequent attacks, and fears of electoral fraud coupled with disillusionment over the political system are threatening to keep many voters away. The government has imposed strict security measures and enlisted hundreds of international monitors to observe the vote.

There are about 25 million eligible voters and, as of May, just over 66 percent had applied for biometric registration, according to data published by the United Nations. 

Prime Minister Mustafa al-Kadhimi urged the people to get their voting cards in a tweet, saying their votes are a responsibility that shouldn't go to waste.

"Those wanting reform & change should aim for a high voter turnout," he added.


To encourage people to get their biometric cards, the Iraqi government will offer financial incentives for voters who pick up their cards, chairman of IHEC’s Board of Commissioners Judge Jalil Khalaf said on Sunday without providing further detail.