Iraq’s October Elections: A Game Changer or More of the Same?

Two years after massive protests erupted in Iraq, early parliamentary elections will be held in October. Although the elections were one of the demands of the demonstrators, they are likely to be boycotted by these same activists as well as a large part of the Iraqi electorate. Yet, formal and informal coalitions have registered to run candidates with the hope of influencing the formation of the next government. If a massive boycott occurs, will the election be a game changer to address the new demands of Iraqi society, or will the results preserve the status quo and further de-legitimize the Iraqi state?

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