Baghdad: A senior Iraqi security official announced the successful implementation of the security plan for the country's parliamentary elections, noting that minor incidents were swiftly addressed. Over 12 million Iraqis participated in the elections held on Tuesday to select members of the 329-seat parliament.

According to Anadolu Agency, Lieutenant General Qais al-Muhammadawi, head of Iraq's Supreme Committee for Election Security, emphasized in a press conference in Baghdad that Iraqi security forces played a crucial role in ensuring the safety of the electoral process. He reported that while minor violations occurred, they were effectively managed. Muhammadawi assured that security forces maintained a non-intrusive presence during the voting process.

The security measures were put to the test in Kirkuk, northern Iraq, where gunmen responsible for the deaths of two police officers were apprehended. Meanwhile, the Independent High Electoral Commission confirmed its commitment to announcing the election results within the designated timeframe. As of now, 48 complaints have been lodged, with 39 related to a special voting procedure on Sunday and nine concerning the general voting.

Election results are expected to be released within 24 hours of the vote, with official confirmation pending the resolution of any appeals. A significant number of candidates, totaling 7,743, including 2,247 women, vied for positions in this election. The current parliamentary term, which began on January 9, 2022, will continue for four years, with elections legally mandated to occur at least 45 days before the term's conclusion.

In Iraq's political landscape, Shia parties and blocs dominate the legislature, with power traditionally shared among the country's primary communities: Kurds holding the presidency, Shias the premiership, and Sunnis the speakership of parliament.