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Iraqi Election Campaign Snapshots

Campaigning in Iraq’s election kicked off last week amid debate about the country’s future and whether its Baathist history continues to permeate politics.
By Metrography - Iraq
ICR Issue 324,
18 Feb 10
  • A campaign poster in Karbala reads “No place for Baathists”. Shia parties are campaigning on anti-Baathist agendas in an effort to win over voters who were persecuted under Saddam Hussein’s regime. Photo by Metrography.
  • Thousands of Change loyalists rally in downtown Sulaimaniyah on February 17, one day after the opposition list claimed four of its members were shot and wounded in election-related violence. Tensions have soared in Sulaimaniyah since Change and the Kurdistani list launched their campaigns in the north-eastern Kurdish city. Photo by Pazhar Muhammed.
  • Kurdistani list supporters celebrate the start of election campaign with a traditional Kurdish dance below Kirkuk’s ancient citadel. One of Iraq’s most diverse and hotly-contested provinces, Kirkuk has not held an election since 2005 because of security concerns. Photo by Hawre Khalid.
  • A man walks past posters of female candidates running with two competing Shia-led lists in Hilla, central Iraq. Iraqi law mandates that one-quarter of parliamentary seats be filled by women. Female candidates are campaigning with both secular and religious coalitions throughout Iraq. Photo by Ali Al-Zubedi.
  • A man rides past campaign posters for Prime Minister Nuri al-Maliki’s State of Law coalition in Karbala. Photo by Metrography.

Some 6,000 candidates are seeking seats in the March 7 poll. The 325-strong Iraqi parliament will shape Iraq’s political landscape ahead of the United States troop withdrawal later this year.

Also in this issue

Anti-Baathist Campaigning Overshadows Issues
Services, security and corruption take a backseat as election centres on Baathism.
Baghdadis Bemoan Election Detritus
As political campaigning grips Iraqi capital, ugly remnants of previous polls irk residents.
Iraqi Election Campaign Snapshots
Campaigning in Iraq’s election kicked off last week amid debate about the country’s future and whether its Baathist history continues to permeate politics.