XOFRAN EL-RADÎ

Baghdad– The results of Iraq’s early parliamentary elections held on October 10 are different from the previous elections. After the counting of votes, the results were announced on the official website of Iraq’s Independent High Electoral Commission (IHEC). According to official results, 97 women won seats in the parliament. We spoke to Iraq’s new women parliamentarians about the elections and their projects.

“Women’s active participation was important”

Alia Nassif, who is known for her stance and transparency in the Council of Representatives of Iraq, received 17.000 votes and becomes one of the new women parliamentarians in the parliament. Referring to the role and support of women in the elections, Alia Nassif said, “Despite the different voting mechanisms in the elections, we managed to win the trust of the Iraqi people. Because we were among people and tried to make their voices to be heard in the parliament. Women were active in the electoral campaigns. They have shown once again that if they want, they can be pioneers. The people of Iraq cast their votes and elected their representatives. Women’s active participation was important in these elections.”

“Women can influence the political cycle”

Nissan Al-Zayer received 22.000 votes and won a seat in the parliament. She is among the parliamentarians, who received the highest rate of votes across Iraq. She spoke to our news agency about her electoral campaign, “You have to work hard to win the trust of the thousands of voters. The rights, voices, and demands of all people should be among your main objectives.” Nissan Al-Zayer also talked about women’s participation in politics and said, “Women can influence and lead the political cycle in Iraq.”