Iraq’s parliamentary elections have come and gone, and results are being withheld until at least Monday afternoon local time. The vote, such as it was, appears to have been carried out in relative calm.
That’s not to say it isn’t looking like a failure, however. After a 2018 election where low turnout led to questions about the legitimacy of the vote, this year’s round is setting up to have a record low turnout, at a paltry 41%.
Impressively, voter turnout declined not as a result of any voter intimidation, but rather voter disillusion and boycotts from people who want change and don’t see the political system as an avenue for it.
Its not clear if anyone will take a strong majority in the vote. Thats been a problem in recent votes, with many inconclusive.
“Impressively, voter turnout declined not as a result of any voter intimidation, but rather voter disillusion and boycotts from people who want change and don’t see the political system as an avenue for it.”
Welcome to our world. Stay tuned for 2024 when it goes from bad to worse.
Iraqis don’t like to be governed, they like to be ruled. It gives them a sense of purpose, a boogeyman, and someone who will be their protector.