Iraqis to vote for powerful provincial councils in election
Al Jazeera
The first council elections in a decade are expected to strengthen the grip of pro-Iran groups.
Iraqis are headed to the polls to elect provincial councils for the first time in 10 years, with thousands vying for seats in the powerful assemblies.
Ballots will be cast in 15 of Iraq’s 18 provinces on Monday. The elections are a prelude to a parliamentary vote in 2025, which will test the strength of pro-Iran groups that have been raising their profile in recent years.
Overall, 285 candidates will be elected to the councils, whose duties include appointing regional governors and allocating health, transport and education budgets. Iraq’s semi-autonomous Kurdistan region, which includes three provinces, will decide their provincial councils next year.
Monday’s vote is seen as a key test for the government of Prime Minister Mohammed Shia al-Sudani, who rose to power a year ago on the back of a parliamentary coalition of pro-Tehran parties.
Since taking office, al-Sudani has struggled to develop public services and infrastructure ravaged by decades of conflict. He is hoping for a high turnout, which would give his administration a boost.
These were the key developments on the 1,003rd day of the Russia-Ukraine war.
Defectors from Myanmar’s military and police are learning skills that could put them on a new path after years of war.
World Health Organization says 226 health workers, patients killed in Lebanon since start of Israel’s war on Hezbollah.
UN health agency says its decision is ‘based on the rising number and continuing geographic spread of cases.’
In a new interview, the scandal-plagued Gaetz reaffirmed his commitment to being a member of Trump’s ‘America First army’.
Legislators greenlight reforms giving more authority to Daniel Ortega and Rosario Murillo, accused of stifling dissent.
Pep Guardiola leads Man City out for the first time since signing a two-year extension when Tottenham visit on Saturday.
Five healthcare workers killed in Israeli strikes in southern Lebanon, Ministry of Public Health says.
Vulnerable nations are seeking $1.3 trillion annually to deal with the damage caused by climate change and to adapt.
The city’s southern suburbs have been hit repeatedly in recent months