41,652 observers for the “three networks" who were based in 41,652 polling stations out of 52,000 polling stations across the governorates noticed the broad participation of voters, which exceeded 62% of the total number of registered voters. Read more
As a rule, Iraq’s post-Saddam elections have tended to magnify pre-existing negative trends. The parliamentary polls to be held on 7 March are no exception. The focus on electoral politics is good, no doubt, but the run-up has highlighted deep-seated problems that threaten the fragile recovery: recurring election-related violence; ethnic tensions over Kirkuk; the re-emergence of sectarianism; and blatant political manipulation of state institutions. The most egregious development was the decision to disqualify over 500 candidates, a dangerous, arbitrary step lacking due process, yet endorsed by the Shiite ruling parties.
1. National holiday will start from March 4th until March 8th. 2. Movement between all governorates will be restricted from March 6th until March 8th at 05:00 am. 3. Generally, there will a night curfew which will be imposed on March 6, 7,8th starting at 12:00am to 5:00 am. It is note-worthy that night curfews are already imposed on a daily bases in some governorate including Baghdad but from 12:00 am till 04:00 am. 4. Restrictions on movement are expected in Baghdad on March 4th, the Special Election Day which is allocated for security forces and in-patients voting. 5. In Diwaniya, the curfew will be imposed on March 4th, the Special Election Day, which is allocated for security forces and in-patients voting. 6. All airports and border crosses will be closed from 12:00 am March 6th until 05:00 am March 8th. 7. A 24 hour vehicle curfew inside cities will be imposed at 05:00 am March 7th. Note: Security measures are subject to change depending on the security challenges that may arise.
