Iraq Fast-Tracks Biometric Voter Registration for Election

Published Date : 10/30/2025 

Iraq’s Independent High Electoral Commission (IHEC) is making final updates to the biometric voter register and accelerating the distribution of voter cards as the November 11 parliamentary election approaches. Over 1.9 million cards have been distributed, and facial recognition technology will be introduced to enhance voter verification. 

Iraq’s Independent High Electoral Commission (IHEC) is in the final phase of updating the biometric voter register as the parliamentary election on November 11 draws closer. This critical step is part of the country's efforts to ensure a fair and transparent electoral process.

At the same time, the election agency is continuing with the distribution of biometric voter cards for registered voters across the country. According to IHEC, over 1.9 million voter cards were distributed between September 23 and October 23, representing about 54.2 percent of all registered voters.

Per the IHEC figures, of the more than 3.5 million registered voters for the current voter registration cycle, over 3.1 million cards have been printed, with 62.5 percent of all printed cards already distributed. The agency also disclosed that over 1.1 million printed cards are yet to reach their owners, while over 475,000 cards are being printed.

As the election date approaches, authorities say measures are in place to fast-track the distribution process so that all registered voters will be able to possess their voter card before the election day. This is crucial to ensure that every eligible voter can participate in the democratic process.

Meanwhile, IHEC also announced that over a million youth in the country have registered to cast their ballot in the November election. An official of IHEC’s communication team, Hassan Al Zayir, is quoted by Shafaq as saying that the youth voter numbers are impressive, thanks in large part to awareness and sensitization campaigns they have led to encourage high participation for first-time voters.

Zayir also stated that registration is still ongoing for those who want to update their biometric records with the IHEC, while voter card distribution is also in progress with roughly a fortnight to go to election day. This ongoing effort is aimed at ensuring that no eligible voter is left behind.

Recently, IHEC also announced the introduction of facial recognition for voter verification during the upcoming election. This measure is to tackle the high rate of fingerprint scan failures during regional parliamentary elections in Kurdistan last year. Facial recognition technology is expected to enhance the accuracy and reliability of voter verification, thereby reducing the risk of electoral fraud and ensuring a more secure and efficient voting process.

The introduction of these advanced biometric technologies is a significant step forward for Iraq’s electoral system. It not only enhances the integrity of the voting process but also builds public confidence in the democratic institutions of the country. As the election day approaches, the IHEC remains committed to ensuring that every eligible voter can exercise their right to vote in a free and fair environment. 

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQS): 

Q: What is the purpose of the biometric voter register in Iraq?

A: The biometric voter register in Iraq is designed to ensure a more accurate and secure electoral process by using unique biometric data to verify the identity of voters. This helps prevent fraud and ensures that only eligible voters can cast their ballots.

Q: How many voter cards have been distributed so far?

A: Over 1.9 million voter cards have been distributed between September 23 and October 23, representing about 54.2 percent of all registered voters.

Q: What new technology is being introduced for voter verification?

A: Facial recognition technology is being introduced for voter verification to enhance the accuracy and reliability of the voting process, especially in addressing the issues of fingerprint scan failures.

Q: How many youth have registered to vote in the upcoming election?

A: Over a million youth in Iraq have registered to cast their ballot in the November election, which is a significant increase in youth participation.

Q: What measures are being taken to ensure all registered voters have their voter cards before the election day?

A: The IHEC is fast-tracking the distribution process and has measures in place to ensure that all registered voters will have their voter cards before the election day. This includes ongoing printing and distribution efforts. 

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