Iraq: Early parliament polls begin with security forces and displaced people able to vote today

Iraq's parliamentary elections began with early voting for 1.3 million security personnel and internally displaced citizens on October 15, 2023. This marks the sixth parliamentary election since the 2003 US-led invasion that ousted Saddam Hussein. Polls opened at 7 am and closed at 6 pm, allowing security forces to vote before they are deployed for security on the main election day. The elections are significant as they reflect the ongoing political process in Iraq and the inclusion of marginalized groups in the democratic process.