Baghdad: Voter turnout in Iraq's parliamentary elections reached 56.11%, the electoral commission said Wednesday. In a statement, the Independent High Election Commission reported that a total of 12,009,453 citizens cast ballots to elect members of the 329-seat parliament.

According to Anadolu Agency, the commission explained that 10,904,637 Iraqis voted on Tuesday, with a 54.35% voter turnout. Additionally, 1,084,289 military and security personnel, along with 20,527 displaced persons, participated in Sunday's special voting, achieving turnout rates of 82.52% and 77.35%, respectively.

Preliminary results are set to be announced on Wednesday evening, as stated by the commission. A total of 7,743 candidates contested the elections, which included 2,247 women.

The current parliamentary term began on January 9, 2022, and spans four years. Iraqi law mandates that parliamentary elections must be conducted at least 45 days before the conclusion of the current legislative term.

Currently, Shia parties and blocs hold a majority in the legislature. In Iraq, power is traditionally distributed among the main communities: the presidency is assigned to the Kurds, the premiership to the Shias, and the speakership of parliament to the Sunnis.