A new wave of young Iraqi candidates is contesting
parliamentary elections, rejecting sectarian quotas that have long dominated
politics. They campaign on reform agendas addressing corruption, governance
issues, and economic recovery, seeking to reshape Iraq’s political landscape.
New Faces in Iraq's Parliament Race
As detailed by Jim Gomez of Reuters, the prevailing
political environment in Iraq has been characterised by sectarian quotas which
divide power among religious and ethnic groups, stifling unified national
governance. Against this backdrop, a rising generation of young Iraqis is stepping
forward to contest parliamentary seats, aiming to break the cycle of sectarian
governance.
These candidates, many in their 20s and 30s, are largely
independent or part of new reformist parties. They campaign on issues such as
transparency in government, accountability for corruption scandals, job
creation, and improvements in public services. This comes as Iraq faces
economic challenges exacerbated by fluctuating oil prices and public
dissatisfaction with the slow pace of reforms.
Sectarian Quotas and Political Deadlock
Sectarian politics have traditionally shaped Iraq’s
post-2003 political system. Power-sharing arrangements between Shia Arabs,
Sunni Arabs, and Kurds have often resulted in unstable coalitions and policy
paralysis, according to a Reuters analysis by Gomez. Critics argue that this
system entrenches divisions rather than fostering national unity.
The young candidates seek to alter this model by advocating
for merit-based appointments and national interest over sectarian loyalty.
Their efforts reflect a deeper desire among Iraqi youth for a government that
responds effectively to socio-economic needs rather than sectarian interests.
Youth Mobilisation and Political Engagement
The candidacies of these young individuals are seen as part
of a broader social movement. As Reuters highlights, civil society has been
increasingly vocal, particularly since the 2019 protests against corruption and
poor services. This political awakening among youth has manifested in new
parties and independent candidates willing to confront established political
elites.
Many of these young candidates face obstacles, including
limited campaign resources and threats from entrenched political actors.
Despite this, their campaigns focus on social media outreach and grassroots
engagement to connect with Iraq’s sizeable young electorate.
The Challenges Ahead
According to Jim Gomez, while the wave of young candidates
offers hope for change, the entrenched political system remains formidable.
Sectarian parties continue to wield significant influence, backed by powerful
militias and regional actors.
Successful reform will require these new voices to not only
win seats but also build coalitions capable of enacting legislative and
institutional reforms. Moreover, security concerns and economic instability
pose additional challenges to sustained political transformation.
Regional and International Observations
The broader regional context also influences Iraq’s
political dynamics. Various foreign powers have stakes in Iraq’s future, often
supporting different factions within the sectarian framework. International
observers watch these elections closely, recognising the election outcome's
potential impact on Iraq’s stability and its role in regional geopolitics.
The 2025 parliamentary elections in Iraq thus serve as a pivotal moment, spotlighting demand for generational change and reform. As Reuters journalist Jim Gomez reports, young Iraqis running for parliament embody a pushback against sectarian division and corruption, signalling a transformative aspiration for Iraq’s political future amid many challenges.