Shafaq News – Baghdad (Updated at 21:39)

The Independent High Electoral Commission (IHEC) reported that voter turnout across Iraq reached 22.9 percent by midday Tuesday, as citizens continued casting their ballots in the country’s sixth parliamentary elections since 2005.

According to figures obtained by Shafaq News, participation rates varied significantly among the provinces.

Saladin

Saladin recorded the highest turnout so far, reaching 31.57 percent, according to IHEC data. Local election officials said participation was steady across most districts, particularly in Tikrit and Samarra.

Nineveh

In Nineveh, voter turnout stood at 30.67 percent, according to IHEC figures.

Local sources in the Tel Kaif district told Shafaq News that members of the Popular Mobilization Forces (PMF) conducted field visits in several residential areas to encourage citizens to vote after participation remained minimal through the morning hours.

No official comment was issued by the PMF or the IHEC regarding these activities at the time of publication.

Al-Anbar

Turnout in Al-Anbar reached 30.51 percent, reflecting a strong showing in Ramadi and Fallujah. Shafaq News correspondents said mosques across the province used loudspeakers to encourage citizens to vote, describing participation as a national duty and a way to safeguard local rights.

Kirkuk

The IHEC office in Kirkuk reported 28.85 percent turnout, with balanced participation among urban and rural areas.

The head of the Kirkuk Provincial Council, Mohammed Ibrahim al-Hafidh, called on citizens to take part in the elections, urging Sunni endowments, mosques, and Husseiniyas to promote participation. His office said the appeal framed voting as both a national and religious duty.

Social media users also shared videos from several provinces showing similar calls through mosque loudspeakers urging citizens to participate before polling stations closed.

Erbil

In Erbil, the capital of the Kurdistan Region, turnout reached 28.93 percent, with polling centers seeing a clear rise in participation toward the afternoon. Shafaq News correspondents observed calm, well-managed voting across city neighborhoods and nearby districts.

Duhok

Duhok registered 27.36 percent turnout by midday, according to the IHEC office. Earlier in the day, the commission’s local director, Khalid Abbas, said participation had been relatively low but was expected to increase later. He urged citizens to head to the polls before closing time.

Al-Sulaymaniyah and Halabja

Turnout in Al-Sulaymaniyah, including Halabja, reached 24.88 percent. Polling proceeded smoothly, with electoral authorities reporting no major incidents.

Diyala

The IHEC office in Diyala reported 24.29 percent participation. Shafaq News correspondents noted growing turnout in the final hours before polling stations closed, particularly in Baqubah and nearby districts.

Baghdad

In the capital, turnout was divided between the city’s two main sectors. Karkh recorded 23.04 percent, while Rusafa reached 18.2 percent, according to IHEC data. Polling centers operated normally with light to moderate voter flow through the afternoon.

Basra

The southern oil-rich province of Basra recorded 22.21 percent turnout. Shafaq News correspondents said the process remained calm, with voters steadily arriving throughout the day.

Babil

Turnout in Babil exceeded 45 percent, according to civil society organizations, marking the highest participation in the province’s history. Previous parliamentary and provincial council elections had never surpassed 34 percent.

IHEC announced that more than 100,000 observers and political agents took part in monitoring the general vote. 

Dhi Qar

Dhi Qar’s turnout reached 21.90 percent. Voting continued in an orderly manner across Nasiriyah and surrounding towns under tight security supervision.

Muthanna

Muthanna province reported 21.54 percent participation. Local election officials described the process as stable and well-managed, with polling centers closing on schedule.

Wasit

In Wasit, turnout was 20.02 percent, according to the IHEC branch office. Voting was described as peaceful, with logistical support from local authorities ensuring smooth operations.

Al-Qadisiyah (Al-Diwaniya)

Turnout in Al-Qadisiya reached 19.98 percent. Polling officials said participation was steady throughout the morning and early afternoon, with minor delays in some rural areas.

Karbala

Karbala saw 19.53 percent voter turnout, with Shafaq News correspondents reporting a calm and organized process across the province.

Najaf

In Najaf, the IHEC office recorded 18.16 percent turnout by midday. Voting proceeded without notable incidents.

Maysan

Maysan registered the lowest turnout so far, at 16.63 percent, according to official data. The commission said participation was slower than expected, but ongoing efforts aimed to encourage voters before the close of polls.

Read more: Iraq’s Elections: Voting procedures and incidents across 18 provinces — Developing Story

This story will be updated periodically as new data are confirmed by IHEC offices and Shafaq News correspondents in each province.